Real Madrid have officially secured one of Argentina’s brightest young prospects in Franco Mastantuono, a move many see as an attempt by the club to develop their own version of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. In response to those comparisons, Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski addressed the chatter by drawing a line between the new generation of stars and legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lewandowski spoke about the two youngsters, who have dazzled world soccer with their dribbling, goals, and assists. But rather than simply praise their talent, the Polish striker urged caution about the pressure that comes with stardom at such a young age, ultimately drawing a parallel with Messi’s career path.
Speaking to ESPN, Lewandowski explained his view. “Soccer is becoming more demanding every year, and that adds pressure on young players. It’s not just about playing. Many of them don’t yet have the mentality to handle all of that weight. It doesn’t affect them now, but the real question is what will happen when they are 25, 26, or 28,” the veteran forward said.
The former Bayern Munich star expanded on that idea, warning that long-term success requires more than early brilliance. “Staying at the top for a decade is a massive challenge,” he said. Lewandowski then added a controversial remark that sparked debate in Spain. “Real Madrid fans feel pressure to find someone like Lamine, but I think it will be impossible. The best thing is for each player to follow his own path.”
FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Lewandowski compares Yamal and Mastantuono to Messi and Ronaldo
Lewandowski insisted that comparisons between Mastantuono and Yamal need to be handled carefully, warning against unfair media hype and exploitation. He pointed to the Messi-Ronaldo era as a reference point, making it clear those standards cannot be replicated.
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The striker doubled down with a sharper take. “It’s like when people used to compare Cristiano with Messi. They were completely different players. You can’t find the next Messi or the next Cristiano Ronaldo, because they are unique,” said the Polish international.
His comments arrive in the middle of ongoing comparisons between Mastantuono and Yamal, just as Messi and Ronaldo were constantly measured against each other. For Lewandowski, who also starred at Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career, the parallels being drawn between Real Madrid’s new talent and Barcelona’s rising star are misguided and unrealistic.
What to expect from Real Madrid and Barcelona this season
Barcelona enter the season with lofty expectations after their performances last year, where they came close to achieving more silverware. With Yamal leading the charge, the Catalans will push to exceed expectations in La Liga and make a serious run at winning the Champions League for the first time in a decade. Hansi Flick is tasked with keeping his squad sharp and consistent throughout the campaign.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are expected to reach even greater heights under new manager Xabi Alonso. With a squad packed with world-class talent, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, the Madridistas face enormous pressure to compete for every major trophy. The demands are clear: nothing short of winning across all competitions will be considered a success.
