‘Incredible’: Former Real Madrid star sees striking similarities between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Comparisons between Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi have become increasingly common, especially with the Spaniard’s consistently mind-boggling performances.

Former Real Madrid and Spain defender Michel Salgado is the latest football figure to draw parallels between Barcelona’s teenage sensation and the Argentine icon.

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Salgado described Messi as “a player from another galaxy” but admitted he sees similarities between the two stars.

The former Real Madrid defender said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing what Lamine will be like at this World Cup. It’ll be incredible. 

“Messi is a player from another galaxy, but it’s true that they have some similarities. Lamine is one of those players you love to watch.

There aren’t many with that kind of personality in one-on-one situations. And I wouldn’t just say one-on-one, but one-on-two or one-on-three. That’s something Messi definitely had.”

More than just dribbling ability

Salgado’s observation is particularly interesting because it goes beyond the usual comparison of them playing in the same position.

Lamine shares some similarities with Messi, reckons Salgado. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Many players can beat a defender. Very few can consistently eliminate multiple opponents in a single action while maintaining control of the game.

It was a trait that defined Messi in his prime and still continues to do so in his twilight years. It is a trait that Lamine is making his own right now.

The former Real Madrid player also pointed to their shared upbringing at La Masia, noting that both developed within Barcelona’s unique football environment before reaching the first team at a remarkably young age.

“Messi arrived at twelve years old and Lamine even earlier. They grew up in that special footballing environment of Barcelona,” Salgado noted.

Lamine continues to earn elite praise

Salgado also highlighted the scale of what Lamine has already achieved despite still being a teenager.

“At 18, what Lamine has achieved is incredible. It’s true he’s missing the Champions League, but he has plenty of time to win it. He’s already won the European Championship and been one of the key players in it, which isn’t easy.”

Already one of the best in the world. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

From a Barcelona perspective, the comments reflect how highly Lamine is now regarded across the football world, and the fact that they come from a former Real Madrid player makes them even more special.

Salgado stopped just short of placing him alongside Messi, and rightly so. No one sits at the same table as the Argentine maestro, and it makes no sense to heap undue pressure on him at such a young age.

Yes, Lamine reminds everyone of qualities that they saw in the greatest player to have ever worn the Blaugrana, but at 18, he is just getting started.

The Spaniard should not be bracketed into the “next Messi” conversation and should be given the freedom to develop into the first Lamine Yamal.