L to R: Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal (All images sourced from Getty)
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand recently claimed that Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is better than Lionel Messi was at his age. Yamal, 17, has risen to become one of the most prominent players for the Catalans.
Much like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal is a product of Barcelona's La Masia youth academy. The Spaniard made his senior team debut in a LaLiga game in April 2023 and quickly rose to become a regular starter for Barca at an early age. Yamal's immaculate ball control, dribbling, and playmaking capabilities have led to comparisons with Messi.
Moreover, Yamal predominantly plays as a right winger - a position the Argentine maestro has excelled in throughout his career. The 17-year-old has contributed 13 goals and 21 assists in 72 outings for La Blaugrana across competitions. However, the teenager is currently recovering from an ankle injury.
