"Inexplicable" - Barcelona star makes bold comments on Lamine Yamal comparisons with Lionel Messi

Barcelona ace Raphinha has opened up on Lamine Yamal's comparisons with Lionel Messi. The Spanish forward exploded onto the scene at Camp Nou last season and soon grew into one of the finest young players in the world.

Yamal scored seven goals and set up nine more from 50 games across competitions last campaign under Xavi. He was also a first-team regular for the Spain team that returned triumphant from Euro 2024 over the summer.

This season, the 17-year-old has been equally decisive under Hansi Flick, registering six goals and seven assists from 14 games. His efforts have subsequently sparked comparisons with Barcelona's biggest legend, Lionel Messi.

However, speaking El Pais, Raphinha dismissed the comparisons with the Argentinean, calling him 'inexplicable'.

“Messi is from another world. Inexplicable,” said Raphinha.

Lionel Messi also rose through the ranks at Camp Nou, before transforming into one of the greatest footballers in the world. He is Barcelona's most successful player, having won a record 34 trophies with the club.

The diminutive Argentinean ultimately left the LaLiga giants in 2021 after the club failed to renew his contract. By then, Messi had scored 672 goals and set up 303 more from 778 for the Catalans.

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How many trophies have Barcelona won since Lionel Messi's departure?

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent. His departure from Camp Nou came as a shock to the football world, as everyone had expected the Argentinean to retire with the Catalans.

The LaLiga giants initially struggled to cope with his absence, finishing the 2021/22 campaign without silverware. However, they managed to wrestle away the league from Real Madrid the following season, under the tutelage of Xavi.

The Spanish manager also picked up the Supercopa de Espana that season. However, Xavi failed to win silverware last season and ultimately lost his job over the summer.

Messi, meanwhile, has enjoyed admirable success since leaving Camp Nou. The Argentinean won the Ligue 1 title twice and the Trophee des Champions during his two-season stay with PSG.

He ultimately left the French champions in 2023 at the end of his contract and moved to Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has since won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters' Shield with the MLS side. The 37-year-old has also enjoyed tremendous success with Argentinean since parting ways with Barcelona, winning the Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and the Copa America this year.