Guardiola Stuns Football World as He Compares Rayan Cherki to Lionel Messi After Magical Rabona Assist in Man City’s 3-0 Win Over Sunderland

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered some of his clearest and strongest praise of the season as he openly compared Rayan Cherki to Lionel Messi following the young Frenchman’s show-stopping performance against Sunderland. The Manchester City boss has worked with an extraordinary list of players during his career, both at Barcelona and City, yet it is rare for Guardiola to draw such a direct line between any player and Messi. His comments after the comfortable 3-0 victory immediately caught the attention of the football world and pushed Cherki’s name even further into the spotlight as one of the most exciting young attackers in the Premier League.

The match against Sunderland might have appeared straightforward on paper, but it arrived at an important moment in the season, especially after Arsenal suffered a setback earlier in the day. With the Gunners losing 2-1 away at Aston Villa, the pressure was firmly on Manchester City to take advantage and apply more weight on the Premier League title race. Guardiola’s side responded with the calmness and control that have defined his years at the Etihad Stadium, but the evening belonged to Rayan Cherki, whose rabona assist for Phil Foden was instantly shared across social media, football programmes, and highlight reels around the world.

Cherki, at 22 years of age, is still in the early stages of his Manchester City career, yet he has already shown a level of technical expression and self-belief that has convinced Guardiola he possesses something rare. The moment he produced the rabona assist, guiding the ball perfectly into the path of Foden, sparked discussions not only among supporters inside the stadium but also among pundits and journalists. It was the kind of moment that captures the imagination and forces people to watch it repeatedly to appreciate the technique and vision involved.

The match itself began with Sunderland arriving with a defensive mindset. The newly promoted side opted for a deep block, attempting to limit the spaces City often exploit to devastating effect. For the first twenty minutes, Sunderland’s strategy caused some frustration inside the Etihad. Although Manchester City controlled possession, they initially struggled to create clear openings. It required patience, sustained pressure, and calm decision-making to eventually pull Sunderland apart, and the breakthrough arrived through the defenders who have become central to the attacking approach under Guardiola.

Rúben Dias opened the scoring in the first half with a decisive finish that showed why Guardiola trusts his defenders not only to protect leads but also to create them. João Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko may no longer be in the squad, but Gvardiol, Akanji, Stones, and Dias have continued the tradition of defenders stepping into midfield and influencing matches creatively. The second goal, scored by Joško Gvardiol, followed a similar theme. The Croatian defender has grown in confidence with each passing match, and his goal demonstrated determination and good positional awareness, placing City in full control before half-time.

But the moment that defined the match came later when Cherki delivered his extraordinary assist. With Foden making a dangerous run into the box, Cherki produced a rabona that bypassed the Sunderland defenders and placed the ball perfectly onto Foden’s right foot. There was no hesitation from Foden, who converted with calm precision. The combination of skill from Cherki and the movement from Foden summed up Guardiola’s football philosophy: creativity with purpose and confidence backed by structure.

After the final whistle, Pep Guardiola sat in front of the media and was immediately asked about Cherki. The Catalan manager did not hold back in his admiration, calling Cherki exceptional and highlighting his personality. Guardiola explained that what sets Cherki apart is not only his technical ability but also his confidence in high-pressure moments. The manager referenced the chaotic 5-4 victory over Fulham earlier in the season, where Cherki came on during one of the most difficult periods of the game. Guardiola said every time Cherki received the ball in that match, he offered calmness, continuity, and control. Such performances have convinced Guardiola that Cherki is not afraid of pressure but rather embraces it.

Guardiola’s most striking comments came when he mentioned Lionel Messi. The City manager worked with Messi during the peak years of Barcelona, yet he stated he had never seen Messi produce a cross like the rabona Cherki delivered for Foden. Guardiola clarified that Messi remains the greatest player in football history in his eyes, especially because Messi mastered the art of simplicity and rarely made mistakes in the fundamentals of the game. Guardiola explained that while dribbling past four or five players is impressive, Messi’s real greatness came from his flawless execution of simple decisions. It was this quality Guardiola wants his own players to follow, and he emphasised that Cherki is learning to balance simplicity with creativity. The rabona assist impressed Guardiola, but he made it clear that the foundation of Cherki’s game must always be the simple things done well.

Guardiola added that players with special talents, such as Cherki, receive gifts from nature or family, referring to unique abilities that cannot be taught. He acknowledged that players like Cherki should express themselves, but he also warned that if such high-risk plays fail, the consequences can be immediate and harsh. This comment reflected Guardiola’s constant demand for discipline and focus. Even when he praises, he reminds players of the responsibility that comes with freedom on the pitch.

The discussion continued with questions about Cherki’s personality, and Guardiola responded by saying that mentality is the real key to reaching the highest level of the sport. He pointed out that anyone can perform tricks and skill moves in friendly matches or comfortable situations, but true top-level players show their identity during the hardest moments: big away games, tough atmospheres, and crucial minutes late in matches. Guardiola stressed that many players look good in training or unimportant games, but only a few maintain their level when the pressure becomes extreme. He said he had seen many players with skill throughout his career, but only those with mental strength consistently succeed. In his view, Cherki was beginning to show signs of having that rare mentality.

With the Premier League title race intensifying and City competing in multiple tournaments, Cherki’s rise comes at a perfect time. Guardiola now faces a difficult but positive challenge—deciding whether Cherki should become a regular starter. The City squad is full of elite attackers such as Foden, Haaland, Grealish, Doku, and Alvarez, yet Cherki offers something unique: a blend of improvisation, unexpected creativity, and increasing composure. This combination may force Guardiola to rethink his line-up as the season progresses.

Another important factor is Guardiola’s pattern of praise. He rarely gives public compliments unless he is fully convinced of a player’s progress. Past examples include Phil Foden, Leroy Sane, Eric Garcia, and more recently, Rico Lewis. Guardiola only makes strong statements when a player has demonstrated quality repeatedly in training and in difficult match contexts. Cherki is beginning to fall into that category, which suggests he may have a much bigger role in the coming months.

The tactical evolution of Manchester City this season also provides a natural pathway for Cherki. Guardiola has experimented with his front line, using fluid rotations, inverted wingers, and occasional false-nine setups. Cherki’s ability to drift between lines, combine with midfielders, and play with both flair and discipline makes him an ideal fit for this evolving system. The rabona assist was the highlight of the Sunderland match, but Cherki’s overall performance involved tracking back, pressing intelligently, and making simple passes when necessary, all qualities Guardiola values deeply.

While the focus has been on Cherki, the broader context of the match also matters. Sunderland, newly promoted and eager to make a statement, attempted to keep the scoreline respectable by defending in numbers. Their approach made it necessary for City to remain patient and disciplined. Early frustration did not affect Guardiola’s side, who slowly dismantled Sunderland by forcing errors, repositioning their forwards, and switching play with accuracy. The effectiveness of City’s defenders in stepping into attacking positions further destabilized Sunderland, who struggled to adjust as Dias and Gvardiol became unexpected threats.

The victory also helped Manchester City keep pace in the Premier League title race. Arsenal’s earlier defeat at Aston Villa added significance to the day’s fixtures. City knew a win would apply pressure and potentially shift the psychological momentum of the season. Guardiola has always emphasized the importance of minor details in a title race, and taking advantage of rivals dropping points is one of the key habits of a champion team. With the 3-0 win secured, City closed the gap and reinforced their position as one of the strongest contenders once again.

Cherki’s growing influence raises questions about how City’s attack will be structured for the rest of the campaign. His style differs from many traditional wide players; he enjoys cutting inside, finding tight spaces, and attempting unpredictable passes that break defensive lines. Guardiola might consider using him more centrally in some matches, especially as opponents have started preparing new defensive plans to contain Haaland and Foden. Having someone capable of unexpected tricks can disrupt even the most organized defensive units.

Reports from the Etihad training sessions suggest Cherki has been working extensively on his decision-making. Coaches close to Guardiola have said that the manager wants Cherki to master the basics and become more consistent in the final third. However, they also believe Cherki has shown an eagerness to learn and has responded positively to tactical instructions. The rabona assist may have been a moment of pure improvisation, but the movement that preceded it, his positioning between defenders, and his quick reading of Foden’s run were all products of the training-ground work Guardiola demands.

Another significant part of the story is how Cherki’s teammates have responded to his rise. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, who has been recovering from injury and slowly returning to full form, have reportedly been impressed by Cherki’s technical abilities. Phil Foden, the beneficiary of the rabona assist, said after the match that Cherki brings something new to the squad and pushes everyone to raise their game. Haaland, who constantly receives creative passes in City’s attacking system, has also shown appreciation for Cherki’s vision, as he continues to supply dangerous balls that create scoring chances.

Cherki’s development is especially noteworthy given the pressure associated with joining a team like Manchester City. Many young players struggle to adapt to Guardiola’s system because it demands not only technical skill but also an understanding of positioning, rhythm, and spatial awareness. Cherki has started to show maturity in these areas, which may explain Guardiola’s willingness to publicly highlight his progress.

The 3-0 victory over Sunderland may not be remembered for its competitiveness, but it will be remembered for the moment Cherki produced something unforgettable. Football fans around the world have seen many brilliant assists over the years, but the combination of technique, awareness, and confidence in this particular action made it stand out. Even neutral fans who do not follow Manchester City closely expressed admiration for the play.

With the season moving into a crucial phase, every player’s contribution will matter. Guardiola has always said that titles are not won only by the stars but by the entire squad. Cherki’s emergence provides the manager with another reliable option, one who can change the dynamic of matches with a single moment of creativity. As injuries, fatigue, and fixture congestion increase during the season, players like Cherki become vital assets.

The comparison to Lionel Messi will no doubt follow Cherki in the coming weeks. Guardiola’s words carry weight, and any reference to Messi immediately generates strong reactions. But Guardiola’s intention was likely to highlight the importance of simplicity and decision-making rather than to suggest Cherki is at Messi’s level. Messi’s greatness lies in his consistency and intelligence, qualities Guardiola believes Cherki can develop if he continues focusing on improving the fundamentals of his game.

Cherki’s story at Manchester City is still being written, but moments like the rabona assist show why the club invested in him and why Guardiola has high expectations. If he maintains his form, continues learning, and remains mentally strong, he could become a major figure in Manchester City’s future. For now, he is a young player enjoying his football, expressing himself, and earning the trust of one of the greatest managers of all time.

The Sunderland match added another chapter to a season full of twists, pressure, and excitement. Manchester City’s pursuit of another Premier League title remains intense, and performances like this reinforce their status as favourites. Cherki’s brilliance, combined with the team’s disciplined structure, created a performance that supporters will remember long after the final whistle.

As the weeks unfold, Manchester City will face tougher opponents and more challenging environments. Guardiola’s comments suggest Cherki will be counted on during those high-pressure matches, where mentality becomes even more important than skill. Whether he becomes a permanent starter or continues as an impact player, his influence is growing, and his confidence appears to be increasing with each performance.

Cherki’s display against Sunderland, topped by the rabona assist, may end up being a turning point in his Manchester City journey. With Guardiola’s guidance and the support of an elite squad around him, he has an opportunity to reach levels few young players experience. The comparison to Messi may seem bold, but it reflects the belief Guardiola has in Cherki’s potential and the rare qualities he has already demonstrated on the pitch.

In the end, Manchester City’s 3-0 victory was more than just another win. It was a match that showcased depth, discipline, and a new dimension of creativity from a player who continues to grow in confidence. Cherki’s moment of magic captured attention worldwide, and Guardiola’s words ensured the discussion will continue. As City push forward in the title race, the story of Rayan Cherki is one that will be followed closely, and the football world will watch to see whether this young talent can turn flashes of brilliance into long-term excellence.