"Will be the next Messi" - Former Barcelona presidential candidate makes bold claim about breakout Barca star
Jordi Majo, a Catalan businessman who previously ran for Barcelona's presidential role, heaped praise on young star Lamine Yamal, saying he shouldn't be sold for any fee. He believes the Spaniard would define an era at the club, just like Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Spanish outlet El 10 del Barça, Majo said that Yamal was a top talent and the only player he would not sell from the current Barcelona squad. He said (via Barca Universal):
“For the right prices, except for Lamine Yamal, I would sell them all because they all have replacements. Lamine will be the next Messi, with all due respect. He is only 16 years old and you have to be cautious. Every now and then a talent comes along and for me, the latest one is Lamine. Barça, without Messi, would not have marked the era that they did. You have to know how to retain the talented player at any price, the one who can mark an era.”
Lamine Yamal is currently not paying attention to Messi comparisons and is trying to stay grounded. He said in a recent interview (via Barca Universal):
"Messi is the best player in history. To be compared to him is incredible but no one can be compared to him. I hope to have half the career that Messi has had."
Reports in Mundo Deportivo suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are readying a €250 million bid for Yamal.
Former coach claims Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is better than Lionel Messi
Lamine Yamal's youth coach, Inocente Diaz, boldly claimed the youngster was better than Lionel Messi. He stated that the Spaniard would win a Ballon d'Or in six years despite being just 16 currently and said in an interview with SPORT:
"In six years, he will win the Ballon d'Or. He is even better than Messi. He possesses a unique blend of physical attributes reminiscent of both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Achieving what he has at just 16 years old is extraordinary. This current Barcelona team is different from previous years, and Lamine stands out."
Despite making his debut this season, Yamal registered 50 appearances for the Catalan club. He has so far managed to score seven goals and assisted 10 times.