Lamine Yamal’s emergence as a left-footed star at FC Barcelona has drawn inevitable comparisons to club legend Lionel Messi, despite the Spanish teenager being only at the beginning of his professional journey. As the debate surrounding the two continues to grow, Pep Guardiola offered his perspective on the matter.
Guardiola, who has long expressed his admiration for Messi, has coached some of the world’s greatest talents during his time at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Yet none, in his view, have matched the Argentine icon. Now, with Yamal setting historic milestones at just 16 years old, some wonder if he could one day surpass Messi’s legendary status.
Speaking during the 7th Legends Trophy at PGA Catalunya, Guardiola was asked whether Yamal could eclipse Messi’s legacy. His answer was measured: “Let’s allow him to have his career, right? In 10–15 years, we’ll see where he’s gone and then we can talk about whether he compares to the greatest (referring to Messi). The fact that people are already having that conversation shows just how good he is at 17. That, for now, is undeniable—but I’d wait.”
The former Barcelona boss emphasized that Yamal is in the ideal environment to continue developing. “Let him make his own path. He’s in the best place in the world to grow, surrounded by teammates who understand a style of play that suits him perfectly, with Flick’s nuances, which are very effective and beautiful to watch” Guardiola said.
While reluctant to say Yamal will eventually surpass Messi, Guardiola expressed confidence in the youngster’s future—so long as injuries stay away: “From here to 10 or 15 years, we’ll see what he’s done. Everything suggests that, barring injury, he’ll have an excellent career because of the amount of talent he has.”
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Spain star Lamine Yamal makes bold claim in Ballon d’Or race with Ousmane Dembele
In the 2024–25 season, and at just 17 years old, Yamal played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—while also starring in the Champions League. While some see parallels between his early impact and Messi’s rise, Guardiola prefers to let time tell which player ultimately leaves the greater legacy.
Pep Guardiola weighs in on Ballon d’Or race between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele
The 2025 Ballon d’Or race remains wide open as the season winds down, but for Guardiola, two names stand out: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele. When asked if the Barcelona teen could win the prestigious award, Guardiola didn’t hesitate.
“Of course, Lamine Yamal can be a candidate—just like (Ousmane) Dembele. It always goes to the one who deserves it. For him to be nominated at 17 is already a big achievement,” he said. The Manchester City manager also praised Yamal for stepping up on the biggest stage, notably in the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, where the young forward was handed responsibility well beyond his years.
