Lamine Yamal brings 'similar feeling' to Barcelona squad that Lionel Messi did, claims Pedri

Yamal’s meteoric rise through the ranks at Barcelona and the Spanish national team has not gone unnoticed, with comparisons to Messi growing stronger by the week. At just 17 years old, the gifted forward is evoking memories of the Argentine legend’s early days in Catalunya, with both players emerging as left-footed prodigies from La Masia and dazzling on the biggest stages.

Midfield maestro Pedri, a key figure in Barça’s current setup, has publicly acknowledged the unique spark Yamal brings to the squad. “The feeling is similar to the one we had with Leo: knowing that something good could happen to us,” Pedri admitted in an interview with Sport, pointing to the electrifying presence Yamal exudes every time he steps onto the pitch.

While Yamal garners the spotlight, Pedri’s own journey has been one of persistence and determination. A player known for his technical finesse and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Pedri has long been hailed as one of the brightest midfield prospects in Europe. However, recurring injuries in recent seasons slowed his progress and kept him out of action at crucial moments. This campaign has seen the Canary Islander bounce back in style, rediscovering his rhythm and regaining a central role in Barça’s midfield.

Pedri was quizzed about the Ballon d’Or - a prize that remains elusive for many midfielders. With Rodri breaking that barrier in 2024, the possibility of another central player claiming the crown seems more realistic than ever.
“Andres, Xavi, and Busquets deserved it and did not win it. It was time to give a midfielder (Rodri) the prize. I hope this will be useful in the coming years,” he said.

“To any player in the world, if you ask him about the Ballon d’Or, he will say yes. But I prefer to win team titles rather than individual prizes."

With Messi long departed, Barcelona appears to have found a natural successor in Yamal. His blend of creativity, fearlessness, and technical excellence has breathed new life into the Blaugrana faithful, who had been yearning for a player capable of bringing them to the edge of their seats once more. As Yamal continues to shatter age-related records and leave defenders in his wake, and Pedri orchestrates play from the middle of the park, the foundations of a new golden generation are firmly in place.