Mareska: Estevao and Yamal are the new Messi and Ronaldo

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said that Estevão and Lamine Yamal have the potential to become the next Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Estevão outshone Yamal in their first encounter as the world's top under-18s, scoring a stunning goal and contributing to Chelsea's 3-0 victory over a 10-man Barcelona side. Yamal, runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, struggled at Stamford Bridge, with Spaniard Marc Cucurella effectively neutralizing his threat with a superb defensive performance. Barcelona and Brazil star Rafinha, a teammate of the two youngsters, had stated before the match that he expected them to emulate Messi and Ronaldo by competing for the Ballon d'Or for many years to come. Maresca fully agreed with this assessment during his interview with beIN SPORTS, saying: "As Rafinha said, perhaps in the next 10 or 15 years, Estevão and Lamine Yamal could become the next Messi and Ronaldo. But they are still only 18, and they need to enjoy their football and develop day by day." However, the Italian coach's perspective shifted slightly after the match. When asked if Estevão's run before scoring reminded him of Messi in his early days, he said: "Estevão's goal reminded me of the one he scored against us in the Club World Cup. The movement was very similar." Maresca added, emphasizing the need to ease the pressure on the young players: "They are still young. Comparisons with Ronaldo and Messi put a heavy burden on them. They need to relax, enjoy playing, and come to training happy. That's the most important thing."