How Barcelona intend to avoid repeating Lionel Messi mistake with Lamine Yamal – with teenage wonderkid posing contract dilemma

Back in 2021, the Liga giants were forced to bid farewell to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. After handing him nine new contracts down the years, the Argentine’s salary became unsustainable amid much-publicised financial struggles.

Messi moved on to Paris Saint-Germain and is now plying his trade in MLS with Inter Miami. A natural heir to his throne in Catalunya appears to have emerged in teenage wonderkid Yamal. Another left-footed graduate of the famed La Masia academy system has been shattering records at 17 years of age.

Yamal is only tied to terms through to 2026, as FIFA regulations prevent clubs from offering minors deals of more than three years at a time. The expectation is, however, that a long-term agreement through to 2030 will be put in place when Yamal turns 18 in July.

According to AS, Barcelona will not push Yamal’s wages up as quickly as they did with Messi. They appreciate that he is one of the club’s star performers and deserves to see that standing recognised. A “progressive contract structure” is being readied for the talented winger.

Barca are confident that they can retain Yamal “without compromising their financial health”. They are determined to “strike the right balance between rewarding talent and maintaining financial responsibility”. Yamal continues to star for the Blaugrana in 2024-25 as they chase down major honours at home and abroad.