Louis van Gaal: Messi has talent, but is also humble and I respect him a lot
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Lionel Messi for his humility and said he is looking forward to seeing some old friends from his stay at FC Barcelona, in reference to the friendly match on July 25.
"He demonstrates his strength in every game. As well as having talent, he is very humble, which is what I like about him. I respect him a lot," the United boss said about Messi.
Louis van Gaal also spoke about his side's pre-season and the teams they will face in the International Champions Cup. United, who were back in training on Monday, will play four games, taking on Club America, San Jose Earthquakes, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Dutch coach said he's excited about playing Barcelona, the team he managed between 1997 and 2007, and again in the 2002-03 season.
"It's good to see friends from my time at Barcelona. The club still plays with some players that I coached when I was there, which is good. It's not just for the players, though, there are also coaches and backroom staff who are still there and it'll be a pleasure to see them," he commented.
Van Gaal also praised Xavi and Andres Iniesta, players who he handed debuts. "It is always an honour when players you hand debuts to become symbols of a team. Xavi and Iniesta are two examples of this, but so is Victor Valdes, who is playing for us," he added.
