Lamine Yamal’s very first standout season with the Catalan club made the football world talk about a “new Messi.” However, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola, in a conversation with a journalist from our editorial team, suggested dialing down the hype.
“Please, Don't Stick Labels”
Correspondent: Pep, are you surprised that a 17-year-old winger is already being compared to Lionel?
Guardiola: Look, comparing a teenager to the greatest footballer of the 21st century is like putting a novice painter next to Van Gogh. Yamal has, I hope, 15 brilliant years ahead of him — then we can see where he ends up.
How Yamal Is Actually Similar to Leo
Correspondent: Supporters of the comparison point to his daring dribbling and vision of the pitch.
Guardiola: He really loves taking on opponents one-on-one, he has a fantastic left foot and outstanding coordination. But Messi, at 19, was already deciding the fate of El Clásico and Champions League finals, while Yamal has only just enrolled in “football university.” Admit it, those are different steps.
“The Main Test Is Consistency”
Correspondent: What will be the key challenge for him?
Guardiola: The real benchmark isn’t one or two dazzling matches, but the ability to maintain elite pace every week — the Champions League, La Liga, the national team — without slumps. Once he has logged a thousand professional minutes at the highest level, then we can cautiously talk about legacy.
Advice From a Perfectionist Coach
Correspondent: What path would you recommend to him?
Guardiola: Enjoy training, learn from the dressing-room veterans, and stay away from headlines that already hail him as the “new savior.” Football rarely forgives those who start believing their own publicity.
Wrapping up the conversation, Pep smiles: “I’ll gladly watch him help Barça bring the European crown back home.” And we’ll heed that advice — let’s leave Yamal in peace and see what kind of artist he becomes.
