Pep Guardiola Urges Patience on Lamine Yamal–Messi Comparisons, Reveals Plans for Life After Manchester City

SME News UK. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called for patience as Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal continues to draw comparisons with Lionel Messi.Yamal, an 18-year-old La Masia graduate with dazzling skill and flair, has inevitably been likened to the Argentine legend—especially after inheriting Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt. But Guardiola insists the young star should be allowed to develop at his own pace before any definitive judgments are made.”Let him develop his career,” Guardiola said. “The fact that he’s being compared to Messi is a big deal. Like if you compare a painter to Van Gogh, it’s a sign he’s good. But we have to let him grow. Messi was something else—90 goals in one season, 15 years nonstop without injury. That’s a big deal. Let him go. Let him go.”Guardiola Hints at Post-City BreakThe Manchester City boss also addressed speculation over his future beyond the Etihad. Despite signing a contract extension through 2027, Guardiola admitted he plans to take a break from football once his time in Manchester ends.”I know that after this stage with City, I’m going to stop—that’s decided. I don’t know for how long, maybe one, two, five years, I don’t know. But I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”Reflecting on his past decisions to step away, Guardiola noted that he trusts his instincts when it comes to knowing the right time for change.”My playing career ended when my head said enough. The same thing happened at Barcelona as a coach. When you push too hard, things stop working. You have to know when to say, ‘That’s enough.’”Guardiola’s comments underscore both his respect for Yamal’s potential and his own awareness of the cyclical nature of football careers. For now, the City boss remains focused on delivering success in Manchesterbut when the time comes, he plans to step away and let life take its course.