There is no denying that Lamine Yamal has the potential to be the best player in the world in the future and we identify 10 reasons why he can be the next Lionel Messi.
Yamal scored an outrageous goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final against France, where he cut in and curled an effort into the top right corner to leave the goalkeeper with no chance.
The Spanish winger is a European Champion at just 17-years-old – it is frightening that he still has plenty of time to adapt and develop his game.
Traits to play anywhere
Lionel Messi played the majority of his Barcelona career as a right-winger, but also featured in the middle and with the ability that Yamal possess, there is no reason why he cannot play in both positions in the future.
Left-footed right winger
Yamal is heavily dominant with his left-foot, likewise to Messi, and they both carry the same trait of being able to cut in onto their favoured foot, leaving their opponents with no chance to stop them.
Roar ability
Yamal has proven already that he is direct and has the roar ability that Messi was showing at a young age, which the Spaniard can only improve on.
Big name at young age
Euro 2024 showed the world what Yamal can do on the big stage, which is extremely similar to what Messi was doing at a similar age in big matches and was deemed as one of the most exciting talents.
Surrounded by superstars
Yamal is part of an impressive Barcelona side and plays with some of the best players in the world with Spain, so he will be able to learn from these more experienced players on and off the pitch, just like Messi did.
Similar physique
The 17-year-old is not the biggest in terms of size, similar to Messi, but this is certainly not a hindrance as he is able to glide past players without them getting near him
Proven quality in big moments
After Yamal’s extraordinary goal in the Euro semi-final when Spain were a goal down, he has already proven that he can turn it on when his team needs him the most and produce the goods.
World at his feet
At such a young age, Messi had the world at his feet and this is similar to Yamal who has the potential to go on and achieve similar things Messi.
Not just a goalscorer
Yamal provided four assists at Euro 2024 and Messi is similar in the sense that he has contributed with a whopping 355 assists so far in his luxurious career.
Barcelona academy
The Barcelona academy has produced some of the best talent the world has ever seen, such as Messi, and Yamal has the same background and the club’s philosophy installed into him.
How do you compare Yamal with Messi? Comment below with your thoughts!
