Coach Fabio Capello lauds Barcelona's Lionel Messi

England's Italian tactician, Fabio Capello, has sung the praises of Barcelona wunderkind Lionel Messi while also commending the work of coach Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou.

Capello was one of the first to recognise Messi's talents when he saw him in action in a Trofeo Joan Gamper match against Juventus. While the ex-Real Madrid coach didn't hesitate to mention the forward in the same breath as legendary figures Pele and Maradona, he did caution that the nippy Argentine has not yet reached that status.

"It is necessary to wait with Messi because he is still young," he told Com Radio programme 'Que has dinat?'

"Every era has a big superstar. First there was Pele and then there was Maradona. Perhaps Messi will be the superstar of the next decade."

Capello was also impressed by the outstanding job Guardiola has done at Barca, especially with his tenacity and his courage during the Blaugrana's recent dip in form.

"Things had been going very easy for Guardiola and everything was working out well for him at first," the Italian said.

"But in times of difficulty, he persisted with his ideas, often leaving key players on the bench because he was sure the team could still win without them. This is a very important sign of someone with personality."

Guardiola and Messi will attempt to continue Barcelona's march towards the Primera Division title when they take on Malaga this Sunday.