Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has cautioned fans and the media against rushing to compare Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal to football legend Lionel Messi.
In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, the former Barcelona coach acknowledged Yamal’s talent but stressed that he has not yet reached Messi’s level.
“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.”
Having won two Champions League titles alongside Messi at Barcelona, Guardiola highlighted the uniqueness of Messi’s achievements.
“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.
At just 18, Yamal has impressed as one of Barcelona’s brightest young talents, but Guardiola’s message is clear: the teenager should be allowed to grow without the pressure of impossible comparisons.
