Lionel Messi: I have hardly spoken to Pep Guardiola since he left Barcelona

Guardiola won 14 trophies in a four-year spell as head coach at Camp Nou from 2008, including two Champions League titles, and returns with new club Bayern Munich looking to knock the Catalans out of Europe.

While Messi credits Guardiola with helping him develop into one of the world’s best players, having moved from a wide player to a false nine at Guardiola's insistence, he said he does not have a special bond with the Bayern boss any more.

"We had a great time when Pep was here. We won a lot of titles and I grew a lot – that was the time when I grew most as a footballer," Messi, who rarely speaks to the media, said at a press conference which was packed full of reporters.

"We had a fantastic relationship when he was here. I have seen him a few times since he left, but we don’t have any kind of relationship now.

"Guardiola knows us, he knows us all well. We were lucky enough to win a lot of titles with him. Based on what Guardiola meant to the club in his time as coach, I think he will get a good welcome. He gave a lot to the club and he is from here, but I think the fans will support the club and want us to win the game."

Much has been made this season of Messi’s apparently strained relationship with current Barcelona boss Luis Enrique but the Argentine was quick to play down any talk of a rift.

The two were reported to have had a disagreement in training in January, sparking rumours of a possible Messi exit, but he has since found exceptional form once again.

"I have said before that what happened happened, but since then there haven’t been any problems at all," Messi said.

"How does Luis Enrique compare to Guardiola? Some things are different. Pep has his way of doing things. Both coaches treat the players well and treat them equally."

Barcelona face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.