Lamine Yamal set ‘same importance’ as Lionel Messi challenge by former Barcelona boss – with teenage wonderkid following in illustrious footsteps

At just 17 years of age, Blaugrana wonderkid Yamal is making impressive early progress down that path. He is already a European Championship winner with Spain, breaking a number of records along the way, and has added Kopa Trophy and Golden Boys triumphs to his impressive roll of honour.

Comparisons to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi were always going to be made as both stepped out of the famed La Masia academy system. Yamal is also left-footed, which has only added to the pressure being lumped onto his young shoulders.

He has shown no sign of buckling, with remarkable standards being set despite his relative lack of experience. Many are tipping Yamal to follow in Messi’s footsteps by claiming his own Golden Ball and title of best player on the planet at some point in the not too distant future.

Barca legend Koeman, who is preparing to face Spain in Nations League competition as manager of Netherlands, hopes that full potential can be unlocked in the hottest of prospects. He has said of Yamal: “For a coach, it is very lucky to have that type of player. Because of his quality he can decide matches. I had the opportunity to work with Messi, which was something very big. Hopefully Lamine Yamal will have the same importance that Messi had for this club.”

Yamal is fast closing in on 100 appearances for Barca, having made his debut at 15 years of age, and is hoping to finish the 2024-25 campaign with more honours to his name – with La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League and Nations League titles still up for grabs.