"Does something you've never seen" - Barcelona star compares Lamine Yamal to Neymar when asked if teenager is following Messi's footsteps
Barcelona forward Raphinha has compared teammate Lamine Yamal to compatriot Neymar amid comparisons with Lionel Messi. Teenage sensation Yamal has been a revelation at Barcelona, where he is one of the first names on the team sheet despite being just 17.
Argentine icon Messi is the greatest player in the history of La Blaugrana and the club's greatest academy product; hence the constant comparison of the club's youngsters with him. Like him, Yamal came through the famed La Masia academy and is an electric left-footed player.
Raphinha answered a question about whether Yamal is following in the footsteps of Messi. The Brazilian forward replied in the negative, pointing out that the youngster's dribbling style and ability put him closer to Neymar.
He said (via @BarcaTimes on X);
“Is Lamine following Messi's footsteps? I see him more like Neymar. His dribbles, how quickly he thinks of dribbles... When you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you've never seen in your life."
Lamine Yamal has exploded onto the scene for club and country in 2024 and was rewarded with an eighth-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or. At just 17, he also became the youngest recipient of the Kopa Trophy and the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico.
The teenager idolizes Messi and Neymar, having grown up watching the pair of stars shine brightly for the Spanish giants. His style of play mirrors a bit of both club greats with his ability to go past opponents and his keen eye for goal.
Neymar linked with mouth-watering reunion with Barcelona teammate Messi in Miami - Reports
Brazilian superstar Neymar has been linked with a potential reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the summer of 2025. The Al-Hilal star has reportedly purchased a €26 million property at Bal Harbor close to Miami Beach, making the two stars neighbors.
The 32-year-old signed a two-year deal with Al-Hilal in 2023 before suffering an ACL injury shortly afterwards which kept him out for a year. With his contract set to expire in 2025, there have been no movements from both parties to try and find a solution, leaving the player in limbo.
A move to Miami will resonate with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, seeing as several former Blaugrana teammates and manager are at the club.
If the move does happen, he will play alongside Messi for the third time, having been teammates at PSG and Barcelona previously.