'Like comparing a painter to Van Gogh' - Pep Guardiola weighs in on the Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi debate as Man City boss makes clear demand for Barcelona wonderkid's future

Despite only recently turning 18, Yamal is already a record-breaking performer in his own right with European Championship and La Liga titles to his name. He is considered to be a Ballon d’Or winner of the future.

Such potential was always going to draw comparisons with Messi, especially as both stepped out of the famed La Masia academy system. Yamal has been doing his best to avoid being dragged into that discussion.

Guardiola can appreciate why, with the former Barca boss telling GQ of comparisons that do nobody any favours: “I think Lamine Yamal should be allowed to develop his career. And when he's been playing for 15 years, we'll decide if he's better or worse.

“Let him develop his career. And the fact that he's being compared to Messi is a big deal. Like if you compare a painter to Van Gogh, they'll say, wow, he's not bad, it's a sign he's good. And that comparison is a sign he's good. But we have to let him develop his career. And we'll see.”

Guardiola went on to say, with the current Manchester City manager never shying away from the fact that he considers the Argentine icon to be the greatest player of all-time: “Messi has been a big deal. 90 goals in one season, for 15 years, nonstop, without injury. That's a big deal. Let him go. Let him go.”

Yamal is going to find it difficult to escape Messi’s shadow any time soon as, after committing to a lucrative new contract at Barcelona, he has inherited the No.10 shirt in Catalonia that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner once wore with such distinction.