Barcelona president Joan Laporta has called for restraint amid growing comparisons between teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, emphasizing their distinct talents and cautioning against undue pressure on the young star. Speaking to CNN, Laporta acknowledged the parallels drawn between the two players but underscored their individuality, framing both as exceptional talents in their own eras.
“Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” Laporta stated. “Leo has been the best player in the world, and Lamine, I believe, is now the best in his position globally.” His remarks came as Yamal, 16, was formally entrusted with Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey—a symbolic gesture following the Argentine’s 2021 departure—after signing a new contract binding him to Barcelona until 2031.
The number 10 shirt holds historic weight at Camp Nou, having been worn by Messi during a career that yielded 672 goals, 10 La Liga titles, and four Champions League trophies. Yamal’s inheritance of the jersey coincides with his rapid ascent at Barcelona, where he became the club’s youngest debutant at 15 and a regular first-team contributor last season. Laporta’s insistence on avoiding direct comparisons appears aimed at shielding the Spain international from heightened scrutiny while recognizing his potential.
The contract extension, finalized earlier this month, reflects Barcelona’s long-term commitment to Yamal amid financial constraints and intense interest from rival clubs. While Messi’s legacy remains unrivaled, Laporta’s comments subtly position Yamal as a cornerstone of the club’s rebuilding efforts, blending reverence for the past with optimism for the future. The president’s dual messaging—honoring Messi’s era while championing Yamal’s rise—resonates in a sport where youthful talents often face outsized expectations.
As Yamal prepares for his first full season wearing the storied number, the focus shifts to how he will carve his own path at a club where legends loom large. For Barcelona, balancing legacy with renewal remains a delicate task, one that Laporta’s measured rhetoric seeks to navigate.
