Fermin Lopez opens up on Messi regret, Xavi-Iniesta comparison, Lamine, Barcelona identity and World Cup heartbreak | OneFootball

Fermin Lopez has never tried to hide the fact that his game is different from the Barcelona midfielders who came before him.

The 23-year-old features on the latest cover of GQ Hype, where he discussed his development at Barça, his relationship with Lamine Yamal and Pedri, his Spain experience and the disappointment of missing the World Cup after being selected but ruled out through injury.

Starting off, the comparisons with Xavi and Andres Iniesta were inevitable. Fermin, though, does not see himself in the same mould.

“I’m a bit different from Xavi and Andres Iniesta”, he says, calling both players “incomparable”.

His explanation is simple: “I’m always closer to the box, I like to play directly forward, I’m always looking for the goal. 

“I’ve always had a good relationship with scoring goals and this year I’m enjoying it even more.”

Fermin’s game has always been about getting forward

Fermin Lopez does not see himself as comparable to Xavi and Iniesta. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

That attacking instinct also explains the players he looked up to growing up.

Iniesta and Lionel Messi remain his main idols, making the fact he never shared a Barcelona pitch with either particularly frustrating.

“I haven’t been able to play with Andres and I never will because he’s retired, but I would have loved to, obviously. 

“And as for Messi, I’ve got a niggling regret about the match we could have played in Qatar, which didn’t happen. I would have loved to share the pitch with Leo Messi.”

Fermin also remembers just how dramatic his introduction to Barça’s first team felt after arriving from Linares.

“I was coming from Linares, which was a completely different world to Barça’s first team, and walking into a dressing room where there are players like Ter Stegen, Lewandowski, Pedri and so many others of that calibre.”

Lamine Yamal makes life easier for Fermin

Fermin Lopez has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

His connection with Yamal is another part of his Barcelona development.

Asked about playing alongside the teenage star, Fermin had little hesitation: “He’s the best, and when you play with players of that calibre, football is easier.”

Furthermore, Fermin was also asked about his injury, which led to him missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Spain ultimately won.

Speaking about it, he said, “It’s normal, because we’re exposed to a lot of matches, a lot of travel, and in the end, the body and mind get exhausted. 

“I always try to take care of myself as much as possible to be ready for matches, especially in the final stretch of the season, which is very important,” he concluded.