FC Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen fired a warning to his young teammate Lamine Yamal during an interview with ESPN conducted on the club's preseason tour.

Lamine is the talk of the football world after becoming the youngest ever scorer at the Euros and helping Spain win the tournament against England at the age of 17.

He is expected to enjoy another strong season in Blaugrana and provide the antidote to bitter rivals Real Madrid and its Galacticos such as Kylian Mbappe.

Above all, however, Ter Stegen wants to see the teenager stay grounded.

"We have to give credit to [former head coach] Xavi, who is the one who gave him the opportunity. There's something special about him," Ter Stegen said.

"I hope he keeps his feet on the ground, that he doesn't listen to the praise and thinks about the moment, that he continues to work for the team. He still has room for improvement, he is very young, he is just starting. He has also grown physically. Lamine knows that he can count on me for anything he needs," the goalkeeper added.

Ter Stegen was asked about a viral photo of Lionel Messi appearing to "bless" a baby Lamine Yamal as part of a UNICEF calendar shoot in late 2007.

"It was something nice and curious, but you can't compare them," Ter Stegen demanded, while conceding that "of course we miss Leo".

"As a footballer he is unique, you can see him in every game, always staying at the highest level. He is the best of all time".

And even though Ter Stegen doesn't see the point of comparisons between Lamine and Messi, he has faith in the products of the La Masia academy at a time when there is a lack of signings being made by President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.

"There has been a lot of talk about other players, but these young players are coming up with a lot of enthusiasm. All reinforcements that come will be welcome," Ter Stegen guaranteed.

As for Madrid - who Barca faces on Saturday - and the road ahead, Ter Stegen vowed to "compete" against Carlo Ancelotti's men and "compete for everything" when it comes to the silverware on offer in 2024/2025.