It’s hard not to think of Lionel Messi when watching Lamine Yamal shine for Barcelona. The young Spaniard plays in the same position where Messi launched his legendary career, with a style that often brings back memories of the Argentine’s early days at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently addressed the constant comparisons between the two, speaking to Japanese media during the club’s preseason tour under new coach Hansi Flick. Laporta praised Messi’s greatness before weighing in on Yamal’s potential.
“Messi was the best player in the world, and I think Lamine is, right now, in a situation where he can become the best in the world. We’ll see, we’ll see,” Laporta said. “He’s that kind of player you don’t see often because he’s a genius and already playing at the highest level”.
Continuing along the same line, Laporta highlighted Yamal’s maturity and drew parallels with Messi’s own rise. “Lamine has a lot of personality. Messi, in his time, also had a lot of personality. Of course, Messi won everything. Messi did everything. For me, he’s probably the best player in history,” he added.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final against Juventus in 2015. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
To close, Laporta attempted to ease the pressure on the 18-year-old, calling for patience as Yamal carves out his own identity. “Lamine is Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi was Lionel Messi,” he concluded.
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Edmilson weighs in on Messi-Yamal comparisons
Former Brazilian midfielder Edmilson, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, also addressed the comparisons between Messi and Yamal with a measured approach. “Yamal is a guy who already has a very strong presence, but what Messi did at Barça is supernatural,” Edmilson said in an interview with Bolavip.
He continued on the same topic: “We’re probably not going to find another player like him. Making comparisons with Lamine is too early, but I have no doubt he’s a guy with unique talent”.
