Guardiola: 'Yamal can never compare to Messi'

Guardiola insists Leo is unique in history.

Yamal is only 17 years old but has already shone for Barcelona and is expected to inherit Messi's legendary No. 10 shirt. However, Guardiola still maintains a clear view: "No one can reach Leo's stature, no one, never."

Speaking to DAZN , the coach who won 3 La Liga and 2 Champions League titles with Messi shared: "I know people are surprised, and yes, it is surprising that a young player is so mature. But usually you only reach maturity at the age of 24, 25. With talented players, sometimes people think every ball is an opportunity, as if you have to shoot 3 points like Steph Curry. But that's not always the case."

Pep continued to analyze Yamal's playing style: "Sometimes he touches the ball once, rests for a few minutes, touches it again, dribbles it lightly, then passes it back. And at the decisive moment, he decides the game. This boy has a very special view of the game."

However, he quickly downplayed any comparisons between Yamal and Messi: "We at Barca are lucky to have found a young player with vision and the ability to understand the game. But sorry, I have to say Leo is unique. In this world , there will never be another like Messi. For me, that is impossible."

In just a short time, Yamal has made over 100 appearances for Barcelona and is on his way to becoming the successor to the club's legendary number 10 shirt. Thanks to his explosive performances, Yamal is also in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, alongside two strong candidates, Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.

On June 6, Yamal scored a double to help Spain defeat France 5-4 in the Nations League semi-finals. La Roja's opponent in the final on June 10 is Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.