Barcelona president Joan Laporta has responded to the growing comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, urging fans and pundits not to place undue pressure on the youngster.
Speaking in an interview with CNN, Laporta emphasized that both players are unique talents and should be respected for their individual qualities.
“Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal. Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” Laporta stated. “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 comments come after Yamal was handed the iconic number 10 shirt previously worn by Messi during his legendary spell at Camp Nou. The 17-year-old winger recently signed a long-term contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2031.
While excitement builds over Yamal’s rapid rise, Laporta made it clear that the club aims to protect his development and avoid overhyping comparisons with Messi.
