- Lamine Yamal has been told he is not like Lionel Messi despite ongoing comparisons between the two.
- Although only 17, Yamal has drawn attention and comparisons to some of football’s all-time greats due to his impressive performances on the pitch.
- This season, he has racked up 13 goal contributions in 14 appearances, as Barcelona pursue both La Liga and European success.
Barcelona winger Raphinha has shared his thoughts on the comparisons between the promising talent Lamine Yamal and club icon Lionel Messi.
While Yamal’s rapid ascent and mature displays have brought him parallels with the Argentine legend, Raphinha believes the young forward shares more similarities with another Brazilian star…
Yamal’s Rise and Comparisons to Messi
Since making his mark last season, Lamine Yamal has rapidly become a crucial player for both Barcelona and Spain, breaking numerous records along the way.
The 17-year-old’s contributions were instrumental in Spain’s qualification for Euro 2024,
and his exceptional performances earned him the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21 by UEFA.
He has continued to shine, driving Barcelona’s strong start in the 2024/25 season with performances that surpass expectations for a player of his age.
Why Lamine Yamal is Not Messi
Despite Yamal’s flair and consistency, Raphinha believes he resembles Neymar more than Messi, citing the teenager’s unique dribbling style and quick decision-making on the ball. Explaining his perspective, Raphinha noted, as quoted by Barca Universal:
“I see Lamine Yamal more like Neymar, not Messi. The dribbling, how fast he thinks to dribble.
“When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life.”
At just 17, Yamal’s skill and vision have made him a phenomenon in European football, yet Raphinha’s insights highlight an important point:
Yamal brings a style of play that is uniquely his own—perhaps inspired by legends but clearly carving his own path forward.
Yamal Told He’s Better Than Vinicius
In related news, trendynews.co.ke reported that Lamine Yamal has drawn comparisons with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, with some even suggesting the young star could surpass the Brazilian in certain aspects of his game.
Former Spain international Marcos Senna recently weighed in, noting that Yamal’s advanced technical skills may allow him to surpass Vinicius in the future.
Real Madrid Star Praises Lamine Yamal
Continuing on Yamal, *trendynews.co.ke* also reported that Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger had high praise for the 2024 Kopa Trophy winner.
Despite the fierce rivalry between their clubs, the German defender acknowledged Yamal’s exceptional talent, which has enabled him to break new records.