"Even Messi didn’t emerge internationally until his late teens" - Gary Lineker tips Lamine Yamal for greatness ahead of Euro 2024 final
Former England international Gary Lineker has tipped Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal for greatness, likening his ascension to Lionel Messi. The former also explained what made Yamal special ahead of the Three Lions' upcoming Euro 2024 final clash against Spain later tonight (Sunday, July 14).
Lamine Yamal will be aiming to inspire La Roja to their fourth European Championship later tonight against England. He scored a stunning goal in their 2-1 semi-final win against France, becoming the youngest-ever player to score at the Euros, just days before his 17th birthday.
Lineker hailed Yamal, comparing him to the likes of Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and Pele, while talking to The Guardian. He said (via GOAL):
“I remember the emergence of Wayne Rooney. You could tell he was special but even he didn’t do this. Pele scored two in a World Cup final but he was 17, nearly 18. Even Messi didn’t really emerge internationally until his late teens. What we’re seeing here is something very, very special. How special, we will have to wait and see. To do what he is doing: I can’t quite get my head around it.”
He added:
“I’ve not seen anything like this. Messi is from another planet and I don’t think you want to put that [comparison] on him, but there’s no question that if Lamine keeps his feet on the ground and doesn’t have serious injuries, he is going to be very special indeed."
He concluded:
"He already is: if you judge the players at this tournament and age is nothing to do with it, he would be top three or four. At 16 … he’s a child! Some kids live up to the expectations, a lot don’t. But with this kind of talent, I would be surprised if we don’t see some kind of greatness.”
In addition to his one goal, Lamine Yamal has also provided three assists for Spain at Euro 2024 - the most in the tournament so far. His performances have helped his nation remain flawless in the tournament, winning all six of their fixtures.
Exploring Lamine Yamal's impressive rise to the top for Barcelona and Spain
Lamine Yamal has been breaking records over the past two seasons ever since becoming the fifth-youngest player to make their debut in La Liga for Barcelona at 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old (April 29, 2023).
The Spain right-winger established himself as one of Barcelona's most important players last season, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
At the age of 16 in La Liga, he became the youngest-ever player to record more than 10 goal contributions, score a brace, record an assist, and start for Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal scored on his debut for the Spain senior team in their 7-1 win against Georgia on September 8, 2023, becoming their youngest-ever player and goalscorer - breaking Gavi's records. He has been electric for La Roja ever since, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.
While Yamal will have a lot to do to establish himself as an all-time football great like Lionel Messi, he has made the perfect start at such a young age to put him on the right path.