Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has urged fans and the media not to draw premature comparisons between Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal and football legend Lionel Messi.
In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, the former Barcelona
boss made it clear that while Yamal is talented, he is not yet in the same
league as Messi.
“I think Lamine Yamal should be
allowed to build his own career. Once he’s been playing for 15 years, we can
evaluate if he’s better or not,” Guardiola said. “But comparing him to Messi
already… that’s a big statement. Like comparing a painter to Van Gogh.”
Guardiola, who won two Champions League titles with Messi
during his time at Barcelona, acknowledged Yamal’s potential but emphasized the
uniqueness of Messi’s legacy.
“We’re talking about 90 goals in a
single season, for 15 years straight, without injuries. That’s something else
entirely. Leave the kid alone,” he added.
Yamal, 18, has been one of the standout young talents at
Barcelona, drawing praise for his performances. But Guardiola’s message is
clear—let the teenager grow without the weight of impossible expectations.
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