Expectations for Lamine Yamal (18, Barcelona) are already global. However, there is skepticism about the huge title of "Messi's successor." Former France national team striker Louis Saha asserted that Yamal will find it difficult to reach the level of Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) and Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr).
Spanish outlet Marca highlighted in its report on the 29th (Korean time) Saha's interview, noting, "Lamine Yamal is clearly talented, but he lacks the 'level of obsession' that Messi and Ronaldo have."
In an interview with U.K. OLBG, Saha said, "Could Lamine Yamal one day surpass Messi? I would like that, but I don't see it that way," adding, "There is no doubt about his talent. But I have not yet felt the fanatical focus of pouring everything into football that Messi and Ronaldo have."
He went on to say, "Many external factors are already arising around Yamal. He could be swept up by that trend. Like what happened to Neymar. Neymar perhaps had even greater talent, but surrounding elements shook him."
Yamal joined La Masia at age 7 and made his debut on April 2023 against Real Betis at 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, setting the record as the youngest player to appear in La Liga. He has already won La Liga twice, the Spanish Super Cup once and the Copa del Rey once, and at UEFA Euro 2024 he earned the best young player award for a tournament MVP-level performance. Combined for Barcelona and the Spain national team, he has recorded 37 goals and 48 assists.
Despite his relentless growth, Saha's comments mentioning the 'unreachable' realm of Messi and Ronaldo have sparked controversy.
Interestingly, Messi and Ronaldo offered completely opposite evaluations. The two superstars praised Yamal's talent at an Adidas event last year. Messi said, "Yamal is already the present, and the future will be even greater," and Ronaldo also said, "He has the talent to be one of the best players of this generation."
Meanwhile, Barcelona play Alavés in the early hours of the 30th after losing 0-3 to Chelsea. The whole world's attention is on whether Yamal will respond amid the club's slump.
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