Lionel Messi ensured Pep Guardiola's final home game in charge of Barcelona ended in victory with a four-goal salvo against city rivals Espanyol.
In Guardiola's final home game in charge before he stands down to make way for his assistant Tito Vilanova, he received a parting gift from arguably the most influential player over his four-year reign.
Messi was in commanding form as he scored all four goals, moving on 72 goals in what has been a remarkable season - 50 of which have come in the La Liga.
Having reached his hat-trick, Messi embraced Guardiola on the sideline, who is leaving the Camp Nou with 13 titles to his name in four seasons.
"Life has given me this gift. During the past four years I have been close to you (the fans) and these players. I'm privileged," Guardiola said.
"I hope you, the fans, have enjoyed some good times with the team. We have felt you close to us.
"You do not know how lucky I am. I will miss you a lot, but I am confident that you will be in good hands (referring to his successor Vilanova).
"I must take off my seatbelt now but you all must remain seated and you'll have a great time."
 |
|
| Lionel Messi hugs his Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola after scoring his hat-trick against Espanyol Photo: Getty Images |
In Guardiola's final home game in charge before he stands down to make way for his assistant Tito Vilanova, he received a parting gift from arguably the most influential player over his four-year reign.
Messi was in commanding form as he scored all four goals, moving on 72 goals in what has been a remarkable season - 50 of which have come in the La Liga.
Having reached his hat-trick, Messi embraced Guardiola on the sideline, who is leaving the Camp Nou with 13 titles to his name in four seasons.
"Life has given me this gift. During the past four years I have been close to you (the fans) and these players. I'm privileged," Guardiola said.
"I hope you, the fans, have enjoyed some good times with the team. We have felt you close to us.
"You do not know how lucky I am. I will miss you a lot, but I am confident that you will be in good hands (referring to his successor Vilanova).
"I must take off my seatbelt now but you all must remain seated and you'll have a great time."
