Coach Guardiola is worried that Messi will not be able to join Citizen next season after his contract at Barcelona expires.
This fear also made Guardiola reluctant to comment on rumors of the transfer of the player nicknamed La Purga.
So far, many European media have "favored" Manchester City to win the Messi title next season.
Guardiola said: "I always thought that the best way to speak was behind the scenes, because my comments would not finish or break the deal, especially for a player who was absent."
Guardiola added: "I have great respect for players from other teams."
When the media asked about Lionel Messi, the Spanish coach never changed his comments. Guardiola chose to keep quiet about Messi, because the 33-year-old striker still belongs to Barcelona.
Guardiola said: "Sorry, he is another club player. I always try to answer your questions, but (this time) I didn't [answer], he is a Barcelona player."
Guardiola said: "Regarding the transfer market, my opinion is about Txiki (Begiristain, Manchester City director of football). I don't want to talk about players who don't exist, otherwise they can extend their contracts.
Messi's contract with Barcelona will expire in June 2021. La Pulga have the same opportunity to stay at the Nou Camp or move to another club.
Apart from Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain (Paris Saint-Germain) is also said to be interested in Messi. Another goal Messi can take is Major League Soccer.
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