Barcelona hero David Villa says it's 'annoying' to compare Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi as he makes feelings clear on youngster

Ex-Barcelona forward David Villa has opened up on the recent comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi, suggesting the teenager is a world-class player in his own right.

Yamal, who turned 17 last year, has emerged as one of the best youngsters in the world since his senior debut for Barcelona in April 2023. He has established himself as a crucial starter for both club and country over the past 12 months.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Villa showered praise on Yamal and asserted the winger is destined for more success. He opined (h/t Barca Universal):

"He's an incredible kid. How he plays, how he understands football... it's true that I don't know him personally, but I've been with him a couple of times and he looks very calm and focused. This is not the explosion of a footballer who is going to last a few months."

Villa, who represented Barcelona between 2010 and 2013, continued:

"He's been there for a while now where, you could say, he could have made a mistake and the opposite is true. He is very good and every time you see him play, he plays better. He also knows what it means to be a champion."

Asked about the comparisons between Yamal and Messi, he responded:

"I think that comparing any player to Messi is annoying nowadays. Lamine Yamal is already a world star. He's been achieving important things for two years and, as a Cule, I'm excited again. And of course, the fans have the right to be excited about him, but I don't think it's necessary to compare him with Messi because he's going to have a very good career."

Yamal, who won the Golden Boy award and the Kopa Trophy in 2024, has started 49 of his 72 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona. The 17-year-old has scored 13 goals and registered 21 assists for his boyhood club so far.

Barcelona star heaps praise on Lionel Messi

Speaking to Voetbal International, Blaugrana midfielder Frenkie de Jong lauded Lionel Messi and claimed the Argentine is the best he has ever witnessed. He said (h/t Barca Universal):

"I've never seen such a big difference between one player and the rest. Whatever we did in training, he was the best, always. He sees solutions on the field that you as a coach cannot think of in advance."

De Jong, 27, played alongside the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner for two seasons at the Catalan outfit. He shared the pitch with the Argentine 80 times.

The Dutchman lifted a Copa del Rey trophy with the left-footed forward.