If Lionel Messi is a major fan of Wilfried Nancy’s style of management, then Celtic might just be in for a treat…
Eric Knott 
(Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
When the GOAT speaks, people listen, including the new Celtic manager.
In October of 2024, Wilfried Nancy managed his former side Columbus Crew, in a 3-2 thriller against Messi’s Inter Miami.
The GOAT scored a brace in that game, with his former Barcelona striking partner, Luis Suarez, bagging the other goal.
But it appears he was seriously impressed by Wilfried Nancy’s management style during the MLS tie between the two sides.
So much so, that he made a beeline to Nancy after the final whistle to tell him as much.
Here is what Nancy had to say in the aftermath of that MLS game:
There is only one Lionel Messi. I have often taken him as an example of a player who respects the game. For me, he is THE player.
After a match, Leo Messi, a great player, wanted to meet me, he wanted to congratulate me on the match, to say nice things to me. That’s why I am moved by the photo of me talking with Messi. The words he had for me were extraordinary.
Obviously, it was a big moment for Wilfried Nancy.
But when Lionel Messi imparts words of wisdom to you, and hails you for your management style, then that’s a pretty big moment in your management career.
Especially for someone like Nancy, who at that point, was only 3 years into his senior management career.
A lot of Celtic fans out there are skeptical of what Nancy will bring to the table.
And I include myself in that group.
But you’d be hard pressed to find any negative press about Nancy from his time in Major League Soccer.
I understand why people are reluctant to liken him to Ange Postecoglou.
And without going into too much detail, we know it’s because Ange had vast experience before he came to Celtic.
However, what we have to accept is that Nancy is spoken very highly of in MLS circles.
And what we also have to accept is that MLS football is of a much higher standard than the Scottish Premiership.
Major League Soccer is ranked as the 10th best League in the world.
The Scottish Premiership is ranked 23 places below it.
So, we can’t really knock MLS.
I think the reason most people do is because it’s American.
And as leagues go, it’s only in it’s infancy.
But that doesn’t take away from it’s ranking position.
The reality is, Celtic fans might just be in for a treat when it comes to Wilfried Nancy’s management style.
I understand it’ll take a while for the new manager to get his ideas across.
But if you want a glimpse of what his teams play like, just watch the footage from that very game Lionel Messi commended him on his management style.
You won’t be disappointed!
YouTube: Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami CF | 2024 Supporters’ Shield Clinched! | Full Match Highlights
Key Takeaways
- Wilfried Nancy impressed Lionel Messi during a thrilling match where Messi scored twice for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew.
- After the match, Messi praised Nancy’s management style, marking a significant moment in Nancy’s early career.
- Celtic fans are sceptical about Nancy, especially compared to previous manager Ange Postecoglou, who had more experience.
- Despite concerns, Nancy has a strong reputation in MLS, which is ranked 10th globally, higher than the Scottish Premiership.
- Fans might enjoy Nancy’s management style, as shown in the match where Messi commended him; watching that game provides insight into his approach.
