Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti has shared his admiration for Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, but believes it’s too soon to place him in the same bracket as Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Flashscore, the Argentine legend called Yamal “an amazing player and a unique talent, very fast with both his right and left foot.”
“He is only 17 years old, has already played more than 100 matches, and the future is certainly promising,” Zanetti said.
When asked about comparisons with Messi, Zanetti offered a measured response.
“Yes, the comparison is too early at the moment, because Messi has been the best in the world for a long time and has remained at the top with incredible consistency, which is rare.”
“Messi is the essence of football, and if Yamal can maintain his consistency, he could be among the elite players in the future, but it is too early to make that comparison now.”
He praised Yamal’s calm decisions, speed, and character, revealing that Barcelona president Joan Laporta called him “an exceptional gem.”
