Rashford says Lamine Yamal could match Messi’s brilliance and win seven Ballons d’Or

Marcus Rashford has described Lamine Yamal as the most talented player he has played with, saying it would not surprise him if the Barcelona forward went on to win the Ballon d’Or seven times.

The Manchester United forward, who is currently injured, made the comments during a meeting with supporters in the Ambassadors’ Suite at Old Trafford before the club’s game against Roma. His remarks were later circulated on social media, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Rashford, who previously played for Barcelona, also explained that he had only wanted to return to England if the move involved Manchester United.

“If the return was not to play for United, I did not want to return to England,” he said.

The England international spoke particularly highly of Yamal’s ability, comparing the teenager with the other gifted players he has played alongside.

“Before I left Barcelona, I told Lamine Yamal that I had played with some incredibly talented players, but he is better than all of them,” Rashford said.

“I have never seen a player of his age with this level of talent. He is the closest to Messi’s level of anyone to have emerged over the years.”

Rashford said Yamal’s potential was reflected in his achievements despite his young age, and suggested the forward could eventually reach a remarkable landmark.

“I believe in this boy’s talent a lot. If he manages to win the Ballon d’Or seven times, it would not surprise me,” Rashford added.

“He has finished second, third and eighth – and all of that at what age? 19?”

The Manchester United player also paid tribute to Lionel Messi, saying he did not expect another footballer to reproduce the Argentine’s complete ability.

“He is an incredible player, and we probably will not see another player in our lifetime with the complete genius that Leo possesses,” Rashford said.

Despite his praise for Messi and Yamal, Rashford said Harry Kane was the player he believed deserved to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. He pointed to the Bayern Munich striker’s goals and assists and said he had recently contacted him directly.

“He scored a huge number of goals this year and provided a huge number of assists,” Rashford said. “I sent him a text message the other day and told him that he deserved the award.”

Rashford also discussed why he chose to return to Manchester United after his time with Aston Villa. He said the experience convinced him that he could not continue facing his boyhood club as an opponent every season.

“I realised one thing: I could no longer play against United every season,” he said.

“If United was not an available option, I asked my agent to move me abroad and not place me with another club in the Premier League.”