'He will become the best player of all time' - Ferdinand compares Yamal to Messi

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim, stating that Barcelona's teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, is already showing more promise than Lionel Messi was at the same age.

17-year-old Yamal has quickly become a key player for Barcelona, emerging from the club's renowned La Masia academy, just like Messi.

Yamal debuted for Barcelona's senior team in a LaLiga match in April 2023 and has swiftly established himself as a regular starter.

Ferdinand believes Yamal is currently ahead of where Messi was at a similar stage in his career.

"I love Lamine Yamal. What a player. That’s why I’m here today. I want to see him, I want to hug him,” Ferdinand exclaimed at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

“I don’t want to say Lamine Yamal will become the best player of all time, but I think he can. Messi at this age? At 16?" Lamine influences matches, he’s decisive, he scores goals, he plays beautiful football, he’s magical. I love him. I love this player seriously." he said.

Lamine Yamal also played an important role in Spain's triumph at the 2024 European Championship, further solidifying his status as one of football's brightest young talents.