Messi backs new boss

Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi expects new coach Tito Vilanova to be a hit and hopes he enjoys a long tenure at the club.

Vilanova will officially replace Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp at the start of July after the former Barcelona midfielder stepped down following a highly successful spell in charge. Agentina international Messi is confident Barca will continue to win trophies under Guardiola's former right-hand man. "Tito has a completely different personality, but I hope that he remains in charge for a long time. That would mean things are going well," he told Sport. Messi reserved special praise for the outgoing boss, saying Guardiola improved him as a player. "Guardiola has helped me develop as a player, especially tactically. He explained things to me that I had never done before," Messi added.