Lionel Messi's ex-Barcelona team-mate explains why Lamine Yamal is 'better' - but insists Spain wonderkid isn't Ballon d'Or favourite

Former Netherlands international Van Bommel believes Yamal has developed at a faster rate than his ex-Barcelona team-mate Messi did at a similar age. Yamal’s incredible start to his professional career has brought comparisons with Messi, who established himself as one of the greatest players of all time during his spell at Camp Nou.

The 17-year-old has already won La Liga with his club and the European Championship with Spain, but Van Bommel, who made 38 appearances during a sole season in Catalonia, does not believe the youngster is the best player in the world just yet. The 2025 Ballon d'Or will be awarded in September, with Yamal up against the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah.

Van Bommel told Voetbalzone: "When Messi joined Barcelona's first team, he didn't play as many games in the beginning compared to Yamal now. So if you compare the two at that age, Yamal is better now.

"Maintaining this level in the long term is the hardest thing. Messi has been at this level for 20 years. That is exceptional. If Yamal wants to catch up with Messi in terms of goals, he will have to score another 500 or so. That is almost 30 per season.

"Is Yamal the best in the world right now? No, he's not, but he's well on his way. I don't think there's one player who stands out above the rest right now, because there are just so many good players."

Messi broke into the Barcelona squad during the 2004-05 season, when he scored his first goal for the club. He would have respectable campaigns over the next three years before he truly exploded with 23 La Liga goals and another nine in the Champions League during the 2008-09 term. Yamal, meanwhile, scored seven goals in his first full club season before bagging 18 more in the campaign just past.

The comparisons between the pair will continue, but for now Messi's full attention will be on his upcoming reunion with Paris Saint-Germain when his Inter Miami side take on the Champions League winners in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.