Lionel Messi has been told he has not played at the same high level for Barcelona since Pep Guardiola's departure from the club in 2012.
The Argentine forward was the lynchpin in Guardiola's side during the Man City managers time at the Nou Camp, and together they won 14 trophies over a four-year period.
From a personal perspective, Messi also earned four Ballon d'Or awards during Guardiola's reign, but has since gone on to win two more, despite Barcelona's perceived decline.
The last of those came only last year, but Ajax boss Erik ten Hag still believes Messi is no longer the player he once was. "Messi was one of the leaders, but he also worked for the team and excelled as a result.
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