A Barcelona player celebrates a goal on the field while the face of a well-known coach appears in the corner.
ARGENTINA

Pep Guardiola commented on Lamine Yamal: 'He can't be compared to the greatest yet.'

Guardiola praised the young player but avoided comparing him to Messi, highlighting his potential but emphasizing that he still has to make his own way at Barcelona

Before the new FIFA Club World Cup, Pep Guardiolawas asked about the emerging figure of Lamine Yamal, but chose not to draw parallels with Lionel Messi. Although he made clear his admiration for the Barcelona youngster, he preferred to be cautious and emphasized that he still has a long way to go if he wants to get close to the Argentine, whom he described as "the greatest".

"It's important for Lamine Yamal to make his own way. He's in the best possible place (Barcelona). We'll see later if he can be compared to the greatest", Guardiola said during a press conference in Catalonia.

Barcelona player celebrating a goal with a raised fist during a match
Guardiola believes it is better for Yamal to follow his own path | La Derecha Diario

The Manchester City coach elaborated on the present of the blaugrana forward: "It's undeniable that he's a very good player. He's in the best place to grow, with teammates he knows. If he doesn't suffer injuries or setbacks, he's on track to have a great career", he added.

Regarding the possibility that Yamal could soon be awarded the Ballon d'Or, Guardiola acknowledged his potential: "He deserves it", he said, expressing confidence in the young striker's future.

Golden Ballon d'Or trophy on a rocky base with a blurred background
Guardiola believes that Yamal deserves the Ballon d'Or | La Derecha Diario

Yamal's contract renewal with Barcelona until 2031, along with the possibility that he could become one of the highest-paid players on the squad, was also a topic of discussion. Guardiola replied bluntly, comparing him once again to Messi: "If they're paying him, it's because he deserves it. This affected Messi zero. Clubs aren't foolish; if they're paying him, it's because he deserves it. I'm happy for him and for Barça".

Finally, Pep took the opportunity to congratulate his former club for winning LaLiga and PSG for the Champions League, after thrashing Inter in the final. "All of Luis's friends (Enrique) are very happy because he deserves it. PSG had an extraordinary year. When we played and lost against them (4-2), I already sensed their power. They also eliminated Liverpool and Arsenal, who are very tough opponents", he concluded.

Two players in FC Barcelona uniforms pose on the field with the crowd in the background.
Luis Enrique and Pep were teammates at Barcelona | La Derecha Diario
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