Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal told he boasts ‘total genius’ of Lionel Messi but is fortunate to be playing in the right era

At just 15 years of age, La Masia academy graduate Yamal burst onto the senior scene in Catalunya. There has been no stopping him from there, with the record books being rewritten on a regular basis.

The talented teenager is now a European Championship winner and holder of prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Ball awards. It is considered to be only a matter of time before he lands a first Ballon d’Or.

Such success would see him follow in the footsteps of eight-time Golden Ball winner Messi, with comparisons between the two seemingly never far away. Makelele can appreciate that discussion, but says Yamal is lucky to be playing at a time in which his ability is allowed to flourish.

Former France international Makelele - who spent time among the ‘Galacticos’ in Spain at Real Madrid, while also representing the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in his playing days - has told BetMGM: “In my time, you couldn’t play at 17, you got kicked too much and it just didn’t happen. It’s different now, if you’re good enough it doesn’t matter how young you are.

“The boy is a genius - to have a brain like he does and to do what he’s doing at such a young age is unbelievable. He’s like [Lionel] Messi when he started. I remember playing against Messi for Chelsea and he absolutely killed us – Lamal reminds me of him. You can say anything you want about him and it’s all fair. He’s a total genius.”

Yamal has missed out on Champions League glory in 2025, after suffering an agonising semi-final defeat to Inter in that competition, but remains on course to help Barca recapture the Liga title - with a Clasico clash against arch-rivals Real next on the agenda.