Lionel Messi Hails This Barcelona Star As ‘Already One of the Best in the World’ and Draws Parallels With His Own Journey.
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi left an irreplaceable mark in Barcelona. It seemed like no one would ever fill the void that was created when he had to depart the club. However, as per the legend’s own words, a youngster currently playing at Barca is going in the right direction.
Messi lavished praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to shine for the Catalan giants. Speaking to Simplemente Futbol, the Argentine icon reflected on Yamal’s meteoric rise. He also suggested that he sees shades of himself in the young star.
Talking about Yamal, Messi told Simplemente Futbol, “It’s impressive. What he’s showing, what he’s doing, what he’s done is impressive. He was already a European champion. He’s still 17, he’s in the process of growth, and I think he’s going to grow even more as a player.”
He added, “He’s going to add things to his game. Just as I started, he also started on the right. Maybe in a few years he’ll end up playing differently too,” he added, before concluding: “There’s no doubt he has barbaric skills; today he’s already one of the best in the world.”
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The praise comes after Yamal’s extraordinary year. This included the 17-year-old becoming the youngest player to score in LaLiga and the youngest to feature in the Euros. The Barcelona winger played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 win. He also won the tournament’s Young Player award.
Yamal is a graduate of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy that produced Messi. Yamal has already made 45 appearances for Barcelona this season. He has contributed 14 goals and 21 assists in that span. As a result, he has become a cornerstone of Hansi Flick’s high-flying Barca side.
Combining brilliantly with captain Raphinha on the wings and Robert Lewandowski in the middle, they’ve formed a partnership as good as Messi, Suarez and Neymar. Yamal is not only catching the attention of Messi, but he has also caught the attention of another footballing great – Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo remarked, “I see a lot of talent in Lamine Yamal… I think he will be one of the best in this generation, surely.” With Barcelona eyeing a treble this season, Yamal could be on the verge of etching his name into footballing history before he even turns 19 years of age.
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