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November 20, 2025
Barcelona legend Jordi Alba weighs in on Lamine-Messi comparisons – ‘There’s no comparison’
Speaking on El Larguero (h/t SPORT), former Barcelona left-back and club legend Jordi Alba addressed the supposed similarities between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old Barcelona wonderki...
Barcelona legend Jordi Alba has firmly shut down any comparisons being drawn between current Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal and the iconic Lionel Messi. The former left-back, a teammate of Messi's for many years at the Camp Nou, addressed the topic during an appearance on the popular Spanish radio program, El Larguero.
Yamal, just 18 years old, has burst onto the scene at Barcelona, showcasing immense talent and potential that has inevitably led to whispers of him following in Messi's footsteps. His dribbling ability, close control, and knack for scoring goals have caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. However, Alba believes it's far too early, and ultimately unfair, to place such a heavy burden of expectation on the young winger.
"There's no comparison," Alba stated plainly on El Larguero, as reported by SPORT. While acknowledging Yamal's exceptional talent and bright future, Alba emphasized the unique and unparalleled nature of Messi's achievements. He highlighted the years of consistent brilliance, the countless records broken, and the sheer impact Messi had on the game, not just for Barcelona, but globally.
Alba's comments serve as a timely reminder that while excitement surrounding Yamal is justified, managing expectations is crucial for his development. The pressure of being compared to perhaps the greatest footballer of all time can be detrimental to a young player's growth.
By dismissing the comparisons, Alba hopes to allow Yamal the space and time to develop his own unique style and carve his own path at Barcelona. He wants the youngster to be judged on his own merits, free from the weight of living up to an unattainable standard.
The former Barcelona stalwart’s words carry significant weight, given his close relationship with Messi and his years of experience playing alongside him. His plea for patience and perspective is a valuable message for Barcelona fans and the wider footballing community as they watch Yamal's career unfold. Alba's message is clear: appreciate Yamal for the talent he is, but remember that there will only ever be one Lionel Messi.
Yamal, just 18 years old, has burst onto the scene at Barcelona, showcasing immense talent and potential that has inevitably led to whispers of him following in Messi's footsteps. His dribbling ability, close control, and knack for scoring goals have caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. However, Alba believes it's far too early, and ultimately unfair, to place such a heavy burden of expectation on the young winger.
"There's no comparison," Alba stated plainly on El Larguero, as reported by SPORT. While acknowledging Yamal's exceptional talent and bright future, Alba emphasized the unique and unparalleled nature of Messi's achievements. He highlighted the years of consistent brilliance, the countless records broken, and the sheer impact Messi had on the game, not just for Barcelona, but globally.
Alba's comments serve as a timely reminder that while excitement surrounding Yamal is justified, managing expectations is crucial for his development. The pressure of being compared to perhaps the greatest footballer of all time can be detrimental to a young player's growth.
By dismissing the comparisons, Alba hopes to allow Yamal the space and time to develop his own unique style and carve his own path at Barcelona. He wants the youngster to be judged on his own merits, free from the weight of living up to an unattainable standard.
The former Barcelona stalwart’s words carry significant weight, given his close relationship with Messi and his years of experience playing alongside him. His plea for patience and perspective is a valuable message for Barcelona fans and the wider footballing community as they watch Yamal's career unfold. Alba's message is clear: appreciate Yamal for the talent he is, but remember that there will only ever be one Lionel Messi.
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Sports