Super agent Jorge Mendes has weighed in on the recent comparisons between young talent Lamine Yamal and legendary footballer Lionel Messi, emphasizing that the two players belong to different generations and should not be directly compared.
Yamal, who has already expressed his desire to carve out his own path, stated that he would consider it an honor to achieve even a fraction of Messi’s success in his career.
Lamine Yamal is born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatoguinean mother.
The 2024 season has been remarkable for Yamal, as he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and was awarded both the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, solidifying his status as the best young footballer in the world.
In discussing the two players, Mendes highlighted Messi’s professionalism and impressive skill set, describing him as a role model.
Mendes acknowledged that both players continue to compete at a high level, attributing their longevity to their dedication and self-care.
Asked about the two, Mendes said, “Yes, because Messi has always shown himself to be a great professional and an impressive player. He is a good example, of course.
“There is no need to compare players, they are from different generations. I am not saying that they are finishing, because they are still competing at their age and that is because they have done things well and have taken care of themselves. That should be the example that they should follow, there is no comparison for the rest.”