"There will be no one in the world like Messi" - Pep Guardiola makes claim when asked to address Lionel Messi-Lamine Yamal comparisons

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on comparisons between Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old Spanish forward has drawn parallels to Messi with his displays since breaking through the Barcelona youth set-up last season.

In an interview with DAZN Futbol, Guardiola addressed the rapid development of Yamal, expressing his gratitude as a former Barcelona player and manager. He did, however, clarify that he does not believe that the youngster, or anyone else, will ever match up to Messi.

"Lamine Yamal? We’re very lucky at Barça to have found a boy with a perspective… I’m not going to say like Leo, I’m really sorry. For me, there will be no one, no one, no one in the world like Messi. It’s impossible.”

Lamine Yamal was instrumental for Barcelona as they won the Spanish league and cup double this season and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The youngster also played a starring role for Spain as they claimed European Championship glory in the summer of 2024.

More recently, the teenage star helped Spain qualify for the final of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, scoring a brace in the semi-final win over France. He has been tipped to become the first Barcelona player since Lionel Messi to receive the Ballon d'Or and could become the youngest-ever recipient of the award.

Messi and Yamal are billed to lock horns in the Finalissima later this year after their respective countries won their continental titles last summer. The youngster counts the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient as one of his idols, and looks up to him as a player.

Serie A legend speaks Lionel Messi-Lamine Yamal comparisons

Inter Milan executive and Serie A great Javier Zanetti has spoken on the comparison of Lamine Yamal to Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi. The Spanish youngster has been in sensational form over the past year and is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or.

Zanetti spoke with Flashscore on a number of topics, providing responses to questions asked of him. He was asked if he believes comparing Yamal to Messi is premature at this point, the former Argentina defender answered in the affirmative, pointing to Messi's longevity as a factor.

"Today, yes, because Messi was the best for a long time. He was in the elite for a long period and Leo is the essence of football. If Lamine achieves this... With consistency, he will surely be on that podium. But today, the truth is that talking about him today and comparing him to Messi is very premature."

Lamine Yamal has already played over 100 games in his career despite being just 17 years old. The young Spaniard has a long way to go to match up to Lionel Messi, but he has time on his side, seeing his age.