Nigeria, June 5 -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has weighed in on the growing comparisons between rising Spanish star Lamine Yamal and football legend Lionel Messi, urging caution amid the soaring expectations.

Speaking to journalists, Guardiola appeared taken aback by the premature parallels being drawn between the 16-year-old Barcelona sensation and the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"If at such a young age some people are already comparing him to Messi, well, my God!" Guardiola exclaimed.

The former Barcelona coach, who oversaw Messi's transformation into a global icon during his time at the Catalan club, acknowledged the young winger's extraordinary potential.

"He must truly be an exceptional player. Because if that many ...