“I think it’s impossible” - LaLiga chief Javier Tebas makes bold claim on Lamine Yamal replicating Lionel Messi
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has shut down claims that Lamine Yamal could match or surpass Lionel Messi's legacy. He believes the Spaniard will find it hard to maintain the longevity that the Argentine has shown.
Lionel Messi is widely considered as one of the, if not the, greatest players of all time. He started showing his prowess as a 19-year-old with Barcelona and is still going strong with Inter Miami and Argentina at 37. He has inspired generations of footballers over the years and one of them is Lamine Yamal.
The youngster made his senior debut for Barcelona at just 15 years of age in 2023. He has been exceptional for the club and this has seen people draw comparisons between Yamal and Messi. However, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has shut down such claims, saying (via Tribuna):
"I find it difficult that Lamine Yamal can be at the top for as long as Leo Messi has been. I think it's impossible."
Yamal has already registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 67 games for Barcelona so far. He also become the youngest-ever recipient of the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or 2024 ceremony in October.
Deco shares his thoughts on comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi
Barcelona icon and sporting director Deco has played down the comparisons between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. He acknowledged that while being compared to Messi must be a proud moment for Yamal, the youngster is a unique talent himself.
Deco, who shared the pitch 79 times with Lionel Messi at Barcelona, said (via Goal):
"I don't think comparing him to Leo is a problem for him, but rather a source of pride for him. I don't know if it's good or bad, it depends on him. He's growing and I don't see it as a problem.
"In the end, everyone has their own story, there is no comparison. But I understand that at Barca players are compared, football is always like that. What can't be done? It will be done. What shouldn't be compared? There will be comparisons. We can't say things because in the end it's football, it's emotion, it's passion, it's normal for people to talk, to compare, to remember... "
Deco insisted that Lamine Yamal is unique and pointed to the difference between him and Messi, saying:
"But Lamine is unique, it's his life, he has his life story and the only thing he has is the coincidence of being in the same club as Leo and of being precocious in his appearance although in different situations.
"Leo arrived at a club and entered into a dynamic of a more established team and Lamine is being part of a revolution, of a reconstruction of the club. They are different moments. But it's nice, when you compare it's because you have something good. I don't think comparing him with Leo is a problem for him but a source of pride for him. I don't know if it's good or bad, it depends on him. He's growing and I don't see it as a problem."
Lamine Yamal has previously hailed Lionel Messi as his role model and also said that the comparisons to the legendary forward don't bother him. The two players could share the pitch in the La Finalissima 2025 when Copa America 2024 champions Argentina take on UEFA Euro 2024 winners Spain.