Former Barcelona manager Gerrardo Martino believes Lionel Messi is a dream player to work with because he can play in almost any attacking position . Messi famously played in the 'false nine ' spot for four years at Barcelona when Pep Guardiola , who now manages Bayern Munich , was in control of the Catalan club . The Argentinian has taken up the No 10 role under manager Luis Enrique on occasions this season , but has also been deployed in wider roles to form a three-pronged attack with Luis Suarez and Neymar . Lionel Messi weighs up his options with Barcelona teammate Neymar during the game with Manchester City . Messi celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Eibar and Barcelona at the Ipurua stadium . Martino , who is a coach for Argentina , knows all about the 27-year-old having worked with both on the international and domestic scene and admits Messi is effective in almost every attacking role . 'For a long time we have n't seen him be as absolutely crucial as he was against Manchester City on Wednesday , ' the coach told Mundo Deportivo . 'He can play on the right , left , as a No.9 , behind the striker , or even as a No.4 ! He is able to make the difference anywhere on the pitch . ' Messi looks to take on Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart during their Champions League clash . Messi reels away in celebration having scored against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey semi-final . Martino also admitted it is often best to give him as much freedom in his role as possible , he said : 'Sometimes , it is logical that by analysing a player one thinks it is better to play him in one place or another , but then , if he is good , you can be more flexible . 'The reality is that his effectiveness is down to him rather than where he is put on the pitch by the coach . ' Messi takes on Manchester City 's Belgian international Vincent Kompany at the Nou Camp in Barcelona . The Argentinean wizard skips on by Manchester City's Fernandinho with ease at the Nou Camp .
Gerrardo Martino believes Lionel Messi is the dream player to work with . Former Barcelona boss believes the Argentine can play almost anywhere . Duo have worked together both at Barcelona and with Argentina squad . Martino feels you have to let Messi roam free to get the best from him .