Pep Guardiola has claimed that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is the best defender in the world.
The Argentina international is known for his attacking ability, but former Barcelona coach Guardiola believes that the 25-year-old would be equally impressive if he played in defence.
"Messi wins the ball playing as the false No.9. If you put him at left-back, he would be just as good. He is the best defender in the world," Guardiola told reporters.
"Before arriving at Barcelona I had never seen Messi play. But Tito Vilanova had great things to say about him."
Guardiola will join Bayern Munich this summer.
