I don't have a relationship with Pep Guardiola any more - Lionel Messi

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has declared that he no longer has any kind of special relationship with former boss Pep Guardiola, on the eve of his Camp Nou homecoming.

Guardiola, who led Barca to European success as both a player and a manager, returns to Catalunya with Bayern Munich for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.

It will pit the 44-year-old against his former Protege, as Messi looks to win a fourth Champions League trophy.

During Guardiola's tenure, Messi claimed Europe's biggest prize twice, while also winning three La Liga titles, and a host of other team and personal honours.

But according to the 27-year-old Argentine - who has 51 goals already this season - while he once shared a "fantastic relationship" in Guardiola's four years as coach, they rarely speak any more.

 "We had a great time when Pep was here," said Messi. "We won a lot of titles and I grew a lot – that was the time when I grew most as a footballer.

"We had a fantastic relationship when he was here.

“Since Pep left, we haven’t really seen each other – apart from an event for FIFA but apart from that we haven't kept the relationship going. We had a good relationship but we're not in contact."

Guardiola returned to Camp Nou to witness a Messi masterclass in the last 16, when the Argentine mesmerized Manchester City's defence.

And Messi believes that Guardiola will be handed a warm welcome by the supporters on Wednesday evening.

"Guardiola knows us, he knows us all well - We were lucky enough to win a lot of titles with him," added Messi.

"Based on what Guardiola meant to the club in his time as coach, I think he will get a good welcome. He gave a lot to the club and he is from here, but I think the fans will support the club and want us to win the game."

The last time Bayern and Barca faced off came in the 2012-13 semi-final, when Los Cules were humiliated 7-0 by Jupp Heynckes side.

The speed of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery destroyed the Spanish side over two legs, but Messi says that there will be no repeat.

"It is an important game for everything that it represents," explained Messi.

"It's a semi-final. We remember the game two years ago, of course, but this is a completely different game to the one two years ago.

"Both sides have great players that are used to playing these games. Of course, it's important to get a good result at home. We always play to win and we want to go into the return leg with a good result."