Why Xavi doesn't like the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi

Lamine Yamal is being compared to Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona but Xavi doesn't like it.

09/03/2024, 06:10 PM +00:00

Xavi talks about the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.

FC Barcelona is enjoying the brilliance of their young player, Lamine Yamal. The teenager scored an important goal against Mallorca in La Liga yesterday. The curling shot that went into the top left corner sealed the win for FC Barcelona and got them closer to Real Madrid in the league table with a five-point gap separating the two. Yamal's impact on the team is amazing, especially knowing that the player will turn 17 in July. The Mallorca manager couldn't help but praise Yamal and even compared him to Lionel Messi.

Mallorca manager Javier Aguirre spoke after the game against FC Barcelona and used the time to acknowledge how good Lamine Yamal is. The Mexican coach also talked about when he first saw Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona and compared the two players. Aguirre said, "When I first saw Leo Messi, I remember when he played as a reserve player. I could tell, what a rat! And this Lamine Yamal, he looks like a rat too the little scoundrel! He's very young, but I'm sure he will give so many great things for Barça. What can I say about Lamine Yamal? The kid just shot and decided to score right in the edge of the net. That's it! Good night!"

Xavi was asked his thoughts on Aguirre's comments about Yamal being like Messi. Xavi does not want to put pressure on Yamal and said, "It does not benefit Lamine Yamal when you compare him to Messi. It's true that he has Leo-esque flashes, but it's not good for him. It's better to not compare them. I understand, but I think they should not be compared. Anyone will lose when compared to Messi. We're talking about the best player in the history of this sport, he should not be compared."

Lamine Yamal's thoughts after the win with FC Barcelona

Yamal spoke after the game after his goal gave FC Barcelona the win. Yamal said, "I'm very happy for the win and my goal. I saw the chance to shoot so I took it. It was a difficult match, I always try to help the team. Scoring a goal in front of the fans is a dream come true for me. We have to start thinking about the match against Napoli now, it's a very important match."