Gerardo Martino Admits He Taught Lionel Messi and Barcelona Nothing

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino has labelled his time at the Camp Nou a total failure, admitting he brought "nothing" to the Spanish giants or that of the career of Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian confesses he did not teach Messi anything during his time as coach and admits he does not look back on his tenure with any fond memories.

Speaking to Argentinian newspaper Clarin (per Marca) Martino was asked what he added to Messi's game, to which he replied: "Nothing. Nothing at all. Not to him or to Barça."

Martino was frank in his assessments and honest about his feelings of his failed stint in charge:

"

I didn't make any mark on Barcelona, it was a bubble in my career in terms of what I did as a coach. I went to a team that always won and didn't win anything while I was there. The Supercopa is next to nothing for Barcelona. All I learned in Barcelona was about being surrounded by stars, by the best in the world.

"

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Martino refused to elaborate more, concluding the short interview by saying: "I made some monumental mistakes with Barcelona. I'll tell you in another life."

Martino lasted just 12 months at Barca and was announced as the new Argentina national coach soon after his departure.

Despite his obvious failure with the team, Barcelona were only pipped to the La Liga title on the final day of the season, denying the Catalans the Spanish championship.

Messi's form under Martino fluctuated, and this did not help the coach in his pursuit of trophies.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

However, the superstar still recorded an excellent 28 goals in 31 La Liga games in 2013, per WhoScored.com, showing he had not lost his touch in front of goal compared to most attackers.

But it seems the coach could not bring the very best out of his primary talent, and the failure seems to still haunt Martino.

At every club, the coach carries the blame when things go wrong, and it feels like Barca were in huge transition during Martino's time in charge.

To lose the title at the end of the season would have been hugely painful, but it is questionable whether Martino would have remained even if he had captured the title.

Martino now manages Messi at the international level, and it will be interesting to note whether the mercurial forward's form dips for his country under his former club boss.