‘Not even Lionel Messi was at this level’ – Barcelona & Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal ‘can’t be compared to anyone’ after shattering more records at 16 years of age

Yamal, who has followed Messi out of the famed La Masia academy system in Catalunya, continues to rewrite the history books at 16 years of age. Having already broken several records with Barca and Spain, he has now become the youngest player to start a European Championship game and provide an assist at that tournament.

Those marks were hit during a Euro 2024 opener against Croatia, with Yamal catching the eye in an impressive 3-0 victory for La Roja. The precociously-gifted forward will not turn 17 until July 13, with remarkable heights being hit by one so young.

Former Spain international Llorente has told Sky Sport Italia of Yamal’s rapid rise and why he could be considered to sit above all-time greats at this stage of his career: “Not even Messi was at this level at that age. Lamine Yamal does extraordinary things. He can’t be compared to anyone.”

Yamal made his senior debut for Barca at 15 and has already passed 50 competitive appearances for the Liga giants. He has eight caps and two goals for his country, with comparisons to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi seemingly never far away.