“He’s a player than can reach that level” - Girona boss Michel suggests Barcelona star could become as good as Lionel Messi 

Girona boss Michel lavished praise on Lamine Yamal and compared him with Lionel Messi after Barcelona's 4-1 thumping of Girona at Estadi Montilivi on Sunday (September 15). It was the club's fifth straight La Liga win in as many games, cementing their position atop the table with 15 points. Atletico Madrid are second wth 11.

Lamine Yamal, 17, was the star of the show, scoring a brace (30' and 37') and helping the Catalan giants end the first half with a two-goal lead. Dani Olmo (47') and Pedri (64') doubled the first-half lead in the second half. Despite a consolation goal by Cristhian Stuani (80'), the game ended 4-1 in favor of the Catalan giants.

Speaking after the game, Michel gave Lamine Yamal the ultimate compliment by comparing him with Lionel Messi. The Girona boss said:

“Lamine is a difference-maker. For me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age. It is difficult to imagine that after Messi, another [like him] would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he’s a player than can reach that level.” (via Barca Blaugranes)

The Spaniard has been a revelation ever since getting promoted from La Masia in 2023. In 56 games, he has already scored 10 goals and racked up 13 assists for the Catalan giants.

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"It doesn't bother me" - When Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacted to comparisons with Lionel Messi

Lamine Yamal for Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports - Source: Getty

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal shared his thoughts on being constantly compared to Lionel Messi after being included in the 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist on September 4, 2024. At 17, Yamal became the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or nominee in history.

The teenager had a stellar season with his club and country. He was instrumental in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, scoring once and providing four assists for La Roja. He was also one of the most important players for Barcelona last season, recording seven goals and nine assists in 50 games for the Catalan club.

Talking to France Football about the incessant comparisons with Lionel Messi, Yamal said:

“For me, the most important thing is to leave a legacy, to have your career. In the end, being compared to Leo is more important than not looking at it.” (shared by @AlbicelesteTalk)

The La Masia graduate added:

"The truth is if you are being compared to Messi, the best player in history, it’s because you are doing things well. It doesn’t bother me, but obviously, I always try to be myself."

Lamine Yamal also sports the number 19 jersey at Barcelona - a number that was once worn by the Argentine. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will lock horns for the first time in the Finalissima when Copa America 2024 champions Argentina take on Euro 2024 champions Spain. However, the date of the Finalissima hasn't been confirmed yet.