Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has declared that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi is the best player of all time.

The Spaniard made the comment after watching the La Liga giants dump his side out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage, beating them 5-3 on aggregate.

"He is the best player of all time," Reuters quotes Guardiola as saying following his team's 3-2 win in the second leg. "I compare him with Pele. I am so happy to see this football."

"He is back, he is there where I had the privilege to train him," he added. "He is definitely back at his best."

Guardiola went on to say that he hopes his former club, who will face either Real Madrid or Juventus in the final, go on to win the trophy.