FC Barcelona had Lamine Yamal during their 4-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday at Camp Nou and the 15-year-old became the Spanish club’s youngest-ever debutant in the Spanish top flight.
As a result, many draw parallels to Lionel Messi, who also debuted at Barcelona when he was a teenager. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez spoke with the media after the win and didn’t hide discussing the similarities between the Argentine and Yamal.
“He’s a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find,” Xavi said when asked if Yamal can be compared to Messi and Ansu Fati (h/t ESPN).
“Lamine doesn’t seem like a 15-year-old; he’s very mature. He’s ready [to play] and he is training well. He can mark an era at this club as part of this team.”
While Yamal became Barcelona’s youngest-ever debutant, former Mallorca forward Luka Romero, now at Lazio, remains the youngest to ever play in La Liga. Still, Yamal becomes one of five players to play in the league before turning 16.
The 2023-24 season could mark one that sees Yamal and Messi as teammates, with the Catalan side eager to reunite with the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. Nonetheless, their finances remain an issue.
Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires, so many want to see what the veteran goal scorer decides to do.
