Messi has seen for himself the importance of bringing players through the youth system into the first team, and joining the academy staff could be the next step for the Argentina international after he retires from playing.

"Although it is difficult, I would like to work with Guardiola again," Messi told Marca. "He's one of the best coaches in the world.

"It is important to put faith in the boys in the academy. They will see that it is not impossible to make the jump (to the first team).

"We have a great academy and in the future we could play with 11 players from the academy. But it will take time."

Messi also expressed his desire to lift the Champions League trophy for a fifth time to go alongside the five Golden Shoe and five Ballon d'Or awards he has won in his illustrious career.

Barcelona were last crowned champions of Europe in 2015 when they beat Juventus 3-1 in Berlin and the 31-year-old hopes this season will see Barcelona victorious once again.

"It would be good," Messi said. "As we said at the beginning of the season, the Champions League is always special for what it means. We would like to win it again."

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