Fermin Lopez: ‘I am not Xavi or Iniesta’ as Barcelona star reveals Messi regret

Fermin Lopez says he wants to establish his own identity at Barcelona rather than be compared with club greats Xavi and Andres Iniesta, while admitting his biggest regret is never having shared a pitch with Lionel Messi.

The 23-year-old midfielder is the cover star of the latest issue of GQ Hype, in which he discussed his rise from the lower leagues, his hopes for the new season and the disappointment of missing the World Cup with Spain after being called up because of injury.

Lopez rejected comparisons with Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta, saying he intends to follow his own path.

“I consider myself a little different from Xavi and Andres,” he said. “They are incomparable, and there is no comparison between them.”

He added: “I am always closer to the penalty area. I like to play directly and I am always looking to score goals. I have always had a good relationship with scoring, and this year I am enjoying it more than ever.”

Asked about his footballing idols, Lopez named Iniesta and Messi, while acknowledging that he would never have the opportunity to play alongside the former Spain international.

“I never managed to play with Andres, and I never will because he has retired, but I wanted that very much,” he said.

“I still have some regret about the match we could have played in Qatar, but which never took place. I would have loved to share the pitch with Lionel Messi.”

Lopez also described Rafael Nadal as “an idol for all Spaniards”.

The Barcelona midfielder recalled the impact of moving into the first-team environment after beginning his career at Linares.

“It was extremely moving,” he said. “I came from Linares, which was a completely different world from Barcelona’s first team, and then I entered a dressing room with ter Stegen, Lewandowski, Pedri and many other players at that level.”

Lopez also praised his understanding with Lamine Yamal, describing the Barcelona winger as one of the best players he has played alongside.

“It is very easy to play next to him,” he said. “He is the best, and when you play with players of that quality, football becomes easier.”

He said the atmosphere within Spain’s squad was similarly positive, although he has a small group of close friends that includes Alex Baena, Grimaldo, Cucurella, and Barcelona team-mates Yamal and Pedri.

“I think we all come together,” Lopez said. “But I always have a small group with Alex Baena, Grimaldo, Cucurella, Lamine and Pedri. I get on well with everyone, though, and we are all one group.”

Away from football, Lopez said his ambitions were centred on family life.

“As the years go by, I would like to start a family, for my family always to be healthy, to build my own home and create my own living environment,” he said.