Former player Javier Zanetti has weighed in on the rising comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. Yamal, who burst on the scene with his heroics for Spain in Euro 2024, has since been compared with Messi.
Just like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal grew through the ranks at Barcelona and is predominantly a left-footed winger. Apart from that, many believe that the 17-year-old possesses the dribbling ability, creativity, and playmaking skills of the Argentine legend. In the just-concluded season, Yamal consistently displayed flashes of brilliance, urging fans to describe him as ‘Messi Regen.’
The Spaniard’s impressive performances haven’t gone under the radar, as he is a top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Despite all the praise Yamal has received, Javier Zanetti believes it is far too early to elevate the young winger to the same pedestal as Lionel Messi. The former Inter Milan defender added that Yamal must achieve longevity in order to be put in the same bracket as the Argentine icon.
In an interview with Flashscore, Zanetti was asked if it’s too much to compare Yamal with Messi, to which he responded:
However, the 51-year-old lauded Yamal for his strong personality at just 17, saying:
Lamine Yamal is aware that he is compared to Messi, but the youngster is reluctant to share the same podium with the Argentine legend. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo in February, Yamal said he ignores the comparisons and focuses on being himself, while adding that Messi is the best player in history.
When asked if he found the comparisons with Messi normal, the Barcelona star said:
Lionel Messi is the player with the most Ballon d’Or (eight) awards in football history.
An ardent Chelsea fan, Ezekiel’s journey as a football fan began in his childhood, witnessing Ronaldinho dazzle with his skills. His interest in the beautiful game deepened after Nigeria were knocked out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he was impressed with the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit in their 2-2 Group B draw against South Korea. Some other World Cup matches which have left a deep impact on him were Belgium’s incredible comeback against Japan in the round of 16 of the 2018 version and the 2022 final.
Lionel Messi is the one true GOAT for Ezekiel and he also follows the Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League owing to him and Cristiano Ronaldo. When not writing, he spends his free time deepening his SEO knowledge and watching skits.
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