Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi, As Lamine Yamal continues his meteoric rise in European football, many fans and pundits have begun comparing him to Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time. The 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy has showcased immense talent, displaying dribbling skills, ball control, and vision reminiscent of Messi’s early years. However, Italian coaching legend Fabio Capello recently weighed in on the debate, stating that while Yamal is “extraordinary”, he is not at Messi’s level.
Capello’s comments have reignited discussions about Lamine Yamal’s potential, his impact on Barcelona, and whether he can reach the heights of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Let’s analyze Capello’s perspective, Yamal’s achievements, and what the future holds for the young Spanish winger.
Fabio Capello’s Honest Take on Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi
During an interview with MARCA, Fabio Capello was asked about the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. The former AC Milan, Real Madrid, and England coach acknowledged Yamal’s brilliance, but he was quick to clarify that Messi remains in a league of his own.
“He’s an extraordinary, spectacular, top player, but he doesn’t have Messi’s genius.”
— Fabio Capello, via MARCA
Capello emphasized that while Yamal has been performing at a high level for Barcelona, Messi’s impact on the game was revolutionary. He noted that when Messi first emerged, many considered him a once-in-a-lifetime talent, something he believes Yamal is yet to prove.
Lamine Yamal’s Rise: The Next Big Star?
Similarities to Messi
While Capello dismissed direct comparisons, there’s no denying that Lamine Yamal’s playing style resembles Messi’s:
✔ Dribbling ability – Yamal’s tight ball control and quick feet allow him to weave through defenders.
✔ Left-footed dominance – Just like Messi, Yamal predominantly uses his left foot, making him a nightmare for defenders.
✔ Vision and creativity – His ability to spot teammates in tight spaces is already far beyond his years.
✔ La Masia upbringing – Like Messi, Yamal honed his skills at Barcelona’s legendary youth academy, La Masia.
Yamal’s Achievements So Far
Despite being only 17 years old, Yamal has already achieved incredible milestones:
- 86 senior appearances for Barcelona.
- 18 goals and 23 assists in all competitions.
- Golden Boy Award winner.
- UEFA Euro winner with Spain, playing a crucial role in their 2-1 victory over England in the final.
- Holds the record for most dribbles in a single La Liga game, breaking Messi’s previous record.
Why Lamine Yamal Is Still Far from Messi’s Legacy
Despite his talent, Yamal has a long way to go before being compared to Messi. Here’s why:
1. Longevity and Consistency
Messi has maintained world-class performances for nearly two decades. He won eight Ballon d’Or awards, scored over 800 career goals, and set countless records. Yamal, though promising, has yet to prove he can sustain such brilliance over the years.
2. Goal-Scoring Prowess
Messi was a goal-scoring machine, netting over 50 goals per season at his peak. Yamal, while skillful, has not yet developed that level of clinical finishing.
3. Leadership and Big-Game Influence
Messi has dominated the biggest stages, leading Argentina to World Cup glory and Barcelona to multiple Champions League triumphs. Yamal, though impactful, has yet to showcase his leadership in high-pressure moments.
Lamine Yamal’s Response to the Comparisons
In a recent interview with UEFA, Yamal shrugged off the comparisons and remained focused on enjoying the game:
“I don’t focus on whether someone else has more or less than me. When I watch another team’s football match, I want to enjoy myself, I want to see players who face each other. That’s what I try to do when people come to the stadium—to see an entertaining match.”
This mature response shows that Yamal is grounded, aware of the expectations, but focused on his own development rather than trying to be the next Messi.
What’s Next for Lamine Yamal?
With Barcelona currently leading La Liga, Yamal’s next target is helping the Blaugrana secure another league title and make a deep run in the Champions League. If he continues to improve, he could compete for the Ballon d’Or in the near future.
Potential Milestones for Yamal
✅ Breaking into the Ballon d’Or Top 3 in the next 2-3 years.
✅ Becoming Barcelona’s key player post-Lewandowski era.
✅ Leading Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Watch the video: Yamal vs Messi
Conclusion: A Star in the Making, But Not Messi Yet
While Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting young players in world football, Fabio Capello’s assessment is fair—he isn’t Messi. The young Spaniard has immense potential, but reaching Messi’s legendary status requires years of dominance, trophies, and individual brilliance.
That said, Yamal has all the ingredients to become Barcelona’s next superstar. If he stays humble, keeps improving, and embraces the challenge, there’s no doubt he will carve his own path to greatness.
FAQs
1. Why is Lamine Yamal compared to Lionel Messi?
Yamal’s dribbling, left-footed playing style, and La Masia background make him resemble a young Messi.
2. What did Fabio Capello say about Lamine Yamal?
Capello stated that Yamal is spectacular, but does not possess Messi’s genius.
3. How many goals and assists does Lamine Yamal have?
As of 2025, Yamal has 18 goals and 23 assists in 86 senior appearances for Barcelona.
4. What records has Lamine Yamal broken?
He broke Messi’s record for most dribbles in a La Liga game, completing 11 out of 21 attempts against Deportivo Alaves.
5. Can Lamine Yamal win the Ballon d’Or?
If Yamal continues to develop, he has the potential to be a future Ballon d’Or winner within the next five years.
Final Thoughts
The Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi debate will likely continue as the young Spaniard evolves. While he has a long way to go, he is undoubtedly one of the most promising players in world football.
What do you think? Can Lamine Yamal reach Messi’s level, or is it an impossible task? Let us know your thoughts!
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