Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has weighed in on the growing hype surrounding Lamine Yamal, the rising star from FC Barcelona. In an interview with GQ Magazine, the former Barça boss urged fans and media alike to give the 17-year-old space to grow without burdening him with comparisons to Lionel Messi.

“I think Lamine Yamal should be allowed to build his own career. And once he’s been playing for 15 years, we can evaluate if he’s better or not. But just comparing him to Messi already… that’s a big statement. Like comparing a painter to Van Gogh,” Guardiola said—admiring, yet cautious.

What’s Guardiola’s Take on the Messi Comparisons?

The 53-year-old coach acknowledged that Yamal is “very good,” but he was clear in emphasizing just how rare Messi’s success truly was.

“We’re talking about 90 goals in a single season, for 15 years straight, without injuries. That’s something else entirely. Leave the kid alone,” he insisted.

Guardiola’s message was simple: it’s not fair to expect a teenager to live up to the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest icons. For him, the best path forward for Yamal is one without the crushing weight of being labeled the “next Messi.”

Would Guardiola Ever Return to Barcelona?

Beyond Yamal, Guardiola also addressed the idea of a possible return to Barcelona. His answer was definitive.

“That chapter is over. It was a beautiful time, but it’s done. Return as president? No, I’m not cut out for that,” he stated.

He also revealed that he plans to take a long break once his cycle at City comes to an end: “One year, two, five, ten... I don’t know. But I’ll stop.”

How Did Guardiola Handle His Toughest Season at City?

Reflecting on the most recent Premier League campaign, Guardiola admitted it was one of the toughest stretches of his career.

“We went 13 or 14 matches without a win. That had never happened before. But it grounds you. It was actually healthy for us,” he said.

He also shared his thoughts on the pressure of elite coaching and managing a locker room: “Every three days, I choose eleven players, which means I’m telling the others they’re not good enough. That’s why there are conflicts. But I still enjoy it. The day I stop enjoying it… I’ll walk away.”