Gavi believes that Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal is already “the best in the world”, with only the incomparable Lionel Messi ahead of him.
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Teen sensation starring for La Liga giantsEarned comparisons to Argentine superstarWants to become a legend in his own rightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is approaching the end of his record-shattering career at the age of 37, but continues to star in the United States for Inter Miami – with the Argentine claiming MVP honours in MLS for 2024.
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A new generation of talent is emerging behind Messi and his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with 17-year-old wonderkid Yamal very much part of that group. He is already a European Championship winner with Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy triumphs to his name.
WHAT GAVI SAID
Fellow La Masia academy graduate Gavi holds Yamal in the highest regard, telling reporters after seeing the youngster star again in a Copa del Rey win over Real Betis: “For me, he’s the best in the world, only behind Messi. Lamine is very talented, the best right now. But it’s foolish to compare him to Messi because there will only ever be one Messi. He’s unique, just as there will only be one Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, or [Sergio] Busquets. We have to carve our own path.”
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?
Yamal has been eager to distance himself from the Messi comparisons, as he seeks to become a legend in his own right. He will, however, continue to generate such talk for as long as he dominates games in a manner similar to Barcelona’s greatest ever player.