And continuing on from the revelations of alleged prima donna behaviour, former New York Red Bulls manager Hans Backe (who during this time managed ex-Barca players Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez) recounts this anecdote, where Messi chooses to undermine then-coach Pep Guardiolas authority by drinking a can of Coke: It was three hours before the match, all the players sit and eat when Messi says he wants a Coke. No, no, we do not drink cola three hours before a fight, said Guardiola. So Messi got up from his chair and comes back a few minutes later with a can of cola, which he opens and drinks right in front of Guardiola. Imagine what happens when a great profile as Messi goes against the coach in this way. It is a war that Guardiola can not win. It is impossible, said Backe. The story dates back to the 2008/2009 season, a season which ended with Barcelona winning the La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League. All of which perhaps suggests that if Lionel Messi wants a can of Coke before a game, you let him have one.
