Ronaldinho backs Lamine Yamal to 'make history' at Barcelona like he and Lionel Messi did & claims 17-year-old sensation is capable of winning 'several' Ballons d'Or

Barcelona legend Ronaldinho says he and Lionel Messi have already made history at the club and now it's Yamal's turn. He added that what the 17-year-old has done so far for the Blaugrana is "extraordinary" and thinks he will be named the world's best player on many occasions.

“Messi and I have already made history, now it’s Lamine Yamal’s turn. What he’s shown so far, at such a young age and with so much talent, is extraordinary. I like watching players like him; they’re good for football. I hope he can have a career like ours,” he said to Marca. “I’ve never liked those kinds of comparisons because every footballer has his own unique style of play. The important thing is that Lamine Yamal brings joy to the people, like I did in my time, or like Messi did later. I hope he continues the potential he’s shown to date. Lamine Yamal is on the level of winning the Ballon d’Or. There are other great players in the world, but he’s among them. It’s surprising because he’s so young, but he can make history by winning it not just once, but several times.”

Yamal is arguably the greatest young player the game has ever seen, or at least for many generations. He has played a huge role in guiding Barcelona to La Liga and Copa del Rey glory this season and there is surely so much more to come from the Spain international.

Yamal will hope to finish the season on a high when Barcelona travel to Athletic Club in La Liga on Sunday. The La Masia academy graduate is also set to sign a bumper new contract with the Blaugrana when he turns 18 on July 13.