Barcelona president speaks out on comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Messi – ‘He is a genius’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has drawn comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi in an interview with CNN (h/t SPORT). The Blaugrana chief highlighted the similarities in how both players began their careers.

Laporta has spoken to several media outlets during Barcelona’s Asia tour, which has generated considerable attention.

During the CNN interview, Laporta addressed the comparisons between Lamine, Barcelona’s current No. 10, and Messi, the greatest player to have played for the club.

“Lamine is Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi was Lionel Messi”, stated the Barça president. emphasising the distinction between the two.

He went on to add: “Messi has been the best player in the world, and Lamine, I think that in today’s situation, he is the best in the world. I think we’ll see, we’ll see.”

In any case, the president pointed out: “Lamine has a lot of personality, like Messi, in his time he also had a lot of personality. Of course, Messi won everything. Messi did everything. For me, he is probably the best player in history.”

Joan Laporta praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Laporta expressed his desire to focus on the present, noting: “The world continues and new geniuses appear, and the new geniuses that appear today are players like Lamine Yamal, like Pedri, like Raphinha… very talented players who are in the world of football.

“I mention FC Barcelona players, but, of course, there are players from other teams who are fantastic.”

The Barcelona president once again praised Lamine, stating: “He is the type of player of which there are very few like him because he is a genius and he is at the highest level.”

During the Asian tour, Laporta and Barcelona have again witnessed Lamine’s status as a major media phenomenon.

The La Masia graduate was the most celebrated player when the team arrived in Japan and received the same reception upon arrival in South Korea.

Having enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 season, Lamine is one of the favourites to win the next Ballon d’Or this year – at the age of 18.