Gerard Deulofeu, former Barcelona forward, cautions fans against expecting teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal to emulate Lionel Messi.
The 16-year-old sensation has emerged as a vital asset for Xavi’s team this season, featuring in 34 matches across various competitions and contributing five goals along with seven assists.
Deulofeu emphasizes the importance of handling the young talent with care, urging restraint in comparison to Messi. Speaking in a recent interview (via Barca Universal), he remarked:
“When I see Lamine, I’m astonished by what a 16-year-old can achieve on the field. It’s crucial to nurture his talent and protect him. We shouldn’t burden him with the expectations of becoming another Leo Messi.
Instead, let’s support and guide this gifted young player.”
Comparisons to Messi, who left an indelible mark at Camp Nou, would be unfair. The Inter Miami sensation amassed an impressive 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances for Barcelona across competitions.
Messi secured numerous accolades during his tenure, including ten La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League triumphs, before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where he clinched two Ligue 1 titles. Additionally, the 36-year-old forward boasts eight Ballon d’Or awards and led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
