Lionel Messi backs 'one of the best players in the world' Lamine Yamal to improve 'just like I did' as Barcelona legend heaps praise on Spain wonderkid

The Barcelona legend was speaking about his heir apparent in an interview with Simplemente Futbol. The GOAT was effusive in his praise for Yamal, and backed the youngster to continue adding to his game, just like he did.

Messi applauded Yamal for the amazing things he's already achieved at such a young age, in particular the European Championship he won with Spain last summer. Just 16-years-old for the majority of that tournament, Yamal set records for the youngest player to play and score in a Euros, and scooped the Golden Boy award for his consistency over the tournament as a whole.

Messi said: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain.

"He’s still only 17, he's in a growth process, and he'll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world."

Barca hold a four point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, face off against Los Blancos in the final of the Copa Del Rey later this month and have a Champions League semi-final against Inter to prepare for. Winning a treble and an international trophy before his 18th birthday would give Yamal one of the greatest starts to a career we've ever seen.