Pep Guardiola has insisted that Lionel Messi has helped him improve as a manager.

The Argentine netted all four goals against Espanyol last night as Guardiola took charge of Barca for the final time in the Nou Camp.

After the match Guardiola took time to heap praise on a player that has scored 50 La Liga goals this season.

"Leo has captured the limelight all season, I can't be jealous," Guardiola told the club's official website. "Expect him to keep on doing it in the future. I've tried to help him as much as I can, and he's helped me improve and become a recognisable manager.

"I'm grateful to Leo for doing that. I've received a lot of love from the players this whole time, within the demands that unite us.

"I love them a lot and that's what we have left."

Guardiola has two more matches remaining before his four-year tenure in charge of Barca comes to an end.