Lamine Yamal told he 'doesn't have Lionel Messi's genius' as Fabio Capello insists Barcelona wonderkid won't 'reach level' of club legend

Inevitable comparisons have been drawn between La Masia academy graduates of past and present. Messi stepped out of that fabled youth system in Catalunya to become an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the greatest player of all-time.

Yamal, at just 17 years of age, is hoping to head down a similar path. He has already sent records tumbling as a European Championship winner with Spain and holder of the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards. There is the promise of plenty more to come from him.

Many have been quick to talk up Yamal’s claims to being Messi’s rightful heir at Barcelona, but former Real Madrid boss Capello is not convinced that the youngster will ever hit those heights. The Italian said at the Laureus Awards ceremony when asked about Yamal: “He’s a kid who is doing important things. When he started at Barcelona, it was said that he was the new Messi. He doesn’t reach that level. He’s an extraordinary, spectacular, top player, but he doesn’t have Messi’s genius.”

Yamal has continued to star for Barca in the 2024-25 campaign, with there still three more trophies for him to try and chase down before the season is done. Messi, meanwhile, has opened his quest for MLS Cup glory in 2025 with current employers Inter Miami.