Lamine Yamal is slowly becoming one of the most important players in Barcelona, helping them to another victory. The teenager had not just become the youngest debutant for the club earlier this season but has also broken many other records since then.
The 16-year-old played a major role in the team’s victory over Mallorca yesterday, scoring the only goal which was spectacular itself. And many have started to think of the future and are already comparing him to a great of the club.
Xavi rejects Lamine Yamal’s comparison to Lionel Messi
Many fans and professionals are starting to see the connection between the rising star Lamine Yamal and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. The Argentine is arguably the best player in history, and definitely the club’s best ever. While Lamine is only starting out, he has been better than any teenager in the club before. Many are seeing that Yamal is very similar to the former Barcelona legend, with both even sharing a unique similarity.
It was Yamal who scored a wonder goal to save Barcelona all three important points against Mallorca. The opposition coach Javier Aguirre had largely kept Xavi’s Barcelona at bay, and had to commend the young Yamal for helping his side get the win. He even told in the press conference that the young player resembled the young Messi in many ways.
Javier Aguirre said that Lamine Yamal reminded him of Leo Messi. What do you think?
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 8, 2024
Xavi: "I understand but I think they should not be compared. Anyone will lose when compared to Messi. We're talking about the best player in the history of this sport, he should not be compared." pic.twitter.com/nsyv9WbrP8
This has led many to compare the two soccer stars, but Barcelona manager Xavi shut those up. He said that while the comparison gave some basis, Messi is far greater that any comparison is simply wrong, “I understand but I think they should not be compared. Anyone will lose when compared to Messi. We’re talking about the best player in the history of this sport, he should not be compared.”
Xavi talks on Lamine Yamal’s importance in Barcelona
While Xavi won’t compare Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi, he cannot deny that the young Spaniard has been very important to his team. Aside from the goal yesterday, he has been impressive the whole season since his debut.
The young teenager has already scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists, all at the age of just 16 years old in his debut season as well. Aside from that, his dribbling, passing and crossing have all mesmerized the fans and opposition players are already fearing him on the pitch.
Xavi: "I haven't seen any negative opinions on Lamine's importance for the team yet, but surely they will soon start. 'The 16 year olds are carrying the team.' But no, there hasn't been anything negative yet." pic.twitter.com/9bSHi2b1rn
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 8, 2024
Xavi believes that Lamine is very important for the Catalans but is also sure that negativity regarding that will soon start. “I haven’t seen any negative opinions on Lamine’s importance for the team yet, but surely they will soon start. “The 16-year-olds are carrying the team.’ But no, there hasn’t been anything negative yet.”
Barcelona will next face Napoli in their UCL Round of 16 fixture, with the second leg on Wednesday. Lamine Yamal will hope to impress fans once again and help his team get an important victory.
