Laporta Cautions Against Messi-Yamal Comparisons, Calls Teen Star the Best in His Position

|By Babatunji Wusu

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed growing comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, urging fans and pundits alike to avoid piling pressure on the young winger.

In an interview with CNN, Laporta praised both players but stressed they should not be equated. “Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” he said. “Leo Messi has been the best player in the world, and Lamine, I think that in his position nowadays, is the best player in the world.”

The Barcelona chief made it clear that while both are standout talents, they represent different eras and playing styles.

Yamal, 17, recently inked a long-term contract extension with Barcelona, committing his future to the club until 2031. In a symbolic gesture, he was handed Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt — a number that carries immense weight at the Catalan club.

Despite the obvious comparisons, Laporta emphasized the importance of allowing Yamal to grow into his own legacy, rather than forcing him into Messi’s shadow.