Just like Leo? 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal sees one-on-one ability compared to Messi by Barcelona boss Xavi

The precociously-gifted 16-year-old has burst onto the senior stage in 2023, becoming a full international with Spain, and records continue to tumble around him – as they once did with Argentine icon Messi. The promising midfielder boasts creative quality in abundance, with Xavi of the opinion that he can be likened to superstars of Barca’s recent past. He has said of Yamal’s ability when running with the ball: “He’s got the ability in one-on-one situations, you have to look for him. As with [Ousmane] Dembele, with Messi… we must get the ball to him. We have to make the most of it and give this type of player a boost.”

Yamal is drawing obvious comparisons with Messi, who made his own breakthrough at Barca while still in his teens, and Xavi intends to handle the youngster with care. He added on emulating the efforts of his predecessors, who ensured that Messi was never pushed too far: “They are good examples, [Frank] Rijkaard’s management with Leo. He had injuries at the beginning. We have to be cautious with Lamine. He will help us.”

Barcelona will be hoping that Yamal does not pick up any untimely knocks on Friday when he goes up against a Sevilla side that boasts plenty of no-nonsense defenders. Xavi said: “We treat him like someone who is 16 years old, who is in training. We are very close to him. We see him well when he’s in training. He’ll be up against [Sergio] Ramos or [Jesus] Navas, competitive animals at 36.”

Defending La Liga champions Barca remain unbeaten through seven league games this season and are just two points behind surprise early pacesetters Girona – meaning that they can move to the top of the table with a win over Sevilla at Montjuic.