Javier Saviola recalls seeing Lionel Messi at La Masia and warns over Yamal comparisons: ‘We’re in the hands of a child’ | OneFootball

Javier Saviola has offered a fascinating glimpse into Lionel Messi’s earliest days at Barcelona, recalling how he recognised the Argentine’s extraordinary ability while also urging caution over comparisons between Messi and Lamine Yamal.

The former Argentina international, who played for River Plate, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Benfica, looked back on his career in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AS), discussing his arrival at Barça, his experiences alongside Ronaldinho and the moment Messi first caught his attention.

Saviola knew Messi was different at La Masia

Saviola was only 19 when he moved to Barcelona and admitted that he understood the need to adapt quickly to European football.

Reflecting on the pressure surrounding his arrival, he said: 

“I was 19 and knew I had to adapt to a new style of football, but I never felt the pressure, either from the fans or the press. They gave me the chance to play with confidence and enjoyment.

“Zidane also arrived at that time, but I was never worried about the comparisons: I was 19 and knew what Zidane meant to the game.

“Comparing myself to one of the greatest of all time would have been a mistake. I just focused on playing, fulfilling my responsibilities and living up to Barcelona’s trust in me.”

He later received a recommendation from Carles Rexach to watch a young Messi at La Masia.

Javier Saviola has looked back at his first impression of Lionel Messi. (Picture Credit: Michael Steele /Allsport)

“Rexach insisted I go and watch Messi; he told me he was completely different from the others.

“When I saw him, I immediately understood what he meant: he was doing things that the others weren’t, despite being very young. I went home and told my family: ‘We’re in the hands of a child. If he carries on like this, this guy will go a long way.’

“Barcelona is a breeding ground for talent, but if someone manages to stand out amongst so many young players, it means they have something special. 

“Rexach was right: Messi was one of those talents born with an extraordinary gift,” he revealed.

Saviola urges caution over Messi and Yamal comparisons

Saviola’s description of Messi’s ability was equally detailed, highlighting his speed, dribbling and football intelligence.

“When I saw Messi at La Masia, I witnessed something I’d never seen before: the pace of his play, his dribbling, the determination with which he demanded the ball, and his incredible intelligence.”

The former Barça forward also addressed Yamal’s rise, but warned against placing the same expectations on the current Barcelona star.

Saviola has refused to compare Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images)

“Yamal is still at the start of his career, and we shouldn’t put too much pressure on him, but he’s well on his way to becoming one of the best in the world.

“They are different players, so let’s avoid comparisons. Messi has already made his mark on history, whilst Lamine still has his whole future ahead of him. 

“We cannot know how far he will go, but he could be a key player for many years to come,” he noted.

Ronaldinho left a different kind of impression

Saviola also remembered his Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho, describing a player whose personality was as infectious as his football.

“Ronaldinho was pure joy on the football pitch. I’d see him arrive at training with a smile and leave the same way.

“It seemed almost impossible to wipe that smile off his face. I didn’t understand how he always managed to stay so carefree, but it was like a placebo effect: just being near him was enough to catch his energy.

“He had a completely different way of approaching football, as if every training session were a match. And he passed that on to everyone, both on and off the pitch,” he concluded.