'Better than Lionel Messi!' - Lamine Yamal given ultimate compliment by former Barcelona star after stunning display against Inter as he's told what he must do to become the GOAT

Ronald de Boer has sparked a debate by claiming Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is currently better than Lionel Messi was at the same age. The former Netherlands midfielder made the bold statement during a recent interview, citing Yamal's impact and maturity at just 17 years old after his starring role in the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals.

Yamal has burst onto the scene at Barcelona, becoming a key player for both the club and the Spanish national team. His performances have drawn comparisons to Messi due to his dribbling ability, close control and eye for goal. De Boer's statement adds fuel to the fire, acknowledging Yamal's current impact but also emphasising the need for consistency and longevity to truly reach Messi's level.

De Boer said: "Wesley Sneijder got a message yesterday from Henk ten Cate. He was the assistant coach of Frank Rijkaard. He [Messi] made his debut under Rijkaard against Espanyol and said Yamal is further than Messi at this age. Messi really got kicking when he was 21, so at the moment he's further and better at this age than Messi when he was 16, 17, 18.

"The only difference for me is the consistency. Messi stayed on for 10, 12, 13 years on an unbelievable level. Can he do that? Can he keep the hunger? Can he stay fit? Can he stay with both feet on the ground? All those things because people are always saying, 'Hey, why he's dying his hair?' I never judge people about what they're doing because you have to really know them and I don't know him as a person. So for me, let him do what he wants and he seems a very humble guy and he's not afraid to take the ball, every time when he loses the ball the next time he tries it again.

"He's a real threat every game almost so at that age performing like this, he's further than Messi, but for me Messi is still the number one I ever seen."

Yamal will continue to be a focal point for Barcelona as they navigate the remainder of the La Liga season and attempt to reach the final of the Champions League when they take on Inter in the second leg next week. Before then, however, they face Real Valladolid on Saturday.