The comparison between Lamine Yamal, the nugget of FC Barcelona, and Lionel Messi, the Argentinian idol, seemed obvious for many observers in recent months. However, an unexpected voice had recently cooled general ardor. That of Pep Guardiola, legend of Barça now coach of Manchester City, whose comments seemed to have particularly touched the young player. But this week, Guardiola felt the need to clarify his words.
Guardiola apologizes to Yamal
Questioned by the Dazn media, Pep Guardiola decided to return to his recent statements, recognizing a certain awkwardness. “I'm really sorry”said the former emblematic coach of Barça. While recognizing the immense qualities of Yamal, Guardiola wanted to specify that he in no way wanted to underestimate the talent of the young Spanish international. For him, the talent of the Barcelona prodigy is indisputable, but the comparison with Messi remains impossible: “There will be no one in the world like Leo, it's impossible”.
These details arrive after Guardiola initially said that despite his enormous potential, Lamine Yamal could never reach the exceptional level of Lionel Messi. He then explained that the young player of 17 still had to learn to manage his talent and his pace in a match, sometimes taking example on the simple and effective game of a Stephen Curry in basketball.
A controversy that made noise in Barcelona
Guardiola's initial remarks had caused numerous reactions to Catalan supporters, shared between recognition towards Messi and support for their new star. Some believed that this comparison was unfair and premature, which could harm the evolution of the young player. Others had seen in Guardiola's words a severe and potentially destabilizing criticism for Yamal, at a pivotal moment in his career.
Guardiola apologizes to Yamal
An impact on Yamal's morale?
These public statements did not seem without consequences on Yamal. During the final of the League of Nations on Sunday evening, Spain bowed against Portugal, and the young prodigy seemed to be extinct, far from its best level. Pressure and expectation, accentuated by the recent remarks of Guardiola, may have played a role in this poor performance.
Despite this halftone final, nobody calls into question the exceptional talent of the player. His future remains brilliant, even if he will have to learn to live with the often disproportionate expectations placed on his shoulders.
Guardiola extinguishes the fire
Finally, by publicly apologizing, Guardiola appeased a controversy that had no need to be. The message is clear: Lionel Messi is unique, but Lamine Yamal remains a gem that has everything to mark his time. He will just have to learn to endure this constant pressure, while developing at his own pace, far from comparisons too heavy to wear.
