Hoeneß plays down Messi comparisons for teen star Karl

Uli Hoeneß has warned against overhyping Lennart Karl, calling Lionel Messi comparisons “exaggerated”.

17-year-old Lennart Karl has broken into Bayern Munich’s first team this season, generating significant hype. 

After recently starring for the German U21 national team, he has even been compared to his childhood idol, Argentina legend Lionel Messi.

In an interview on Thursday, Bayern supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß acknowledged that Karl has “played sensationally,” but also warned against overhyping the youngster.

“Here, if someone plays three Bundesliga games, they’re already being compared to Messi. That’s a bit exaggerated,” Hoeneß told reporters.

Standing alongside Hoeneß, Bayern president Herbert Hainer spoke in the same vein. 

“You have to keep things in perspective. The young guy needs time to develop. Otherwise, he’ll be overwhelmed by the media and the whole environment. He’s just 17, so you have to think about that. So give him the time he needs.”

So far, Karl has scored two goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances for Bayern.