Barcelona's Lamine Yamal compared to Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona. Here is what we know about soccer teen prodigy

Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to score a goal in La Liga history when he put the ball into the net of Granada on Sunday. Earlier in September, he became Barca's youngest-ever player and goal scorer when he came to the ground as a substitute in a 7-1 victory against Georgia. Yamal also became the youngest Barcelona player to appear in the Champions League. When he made his debut at the age of 15 years and 290 days in April, he became the youngest player to appear in a competitive fixture for the Blaugrana.

'Lamine Yamal touched by the wand of God'

Praising Lamine Yamal, Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente said that he was a stalwart of Spain's youth teams and is a footballer with exceptional power. He said further that Yamal is different and "he looks like he has been touched by the wand of God."

Compared to Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona

De la Fuente is so much impressed by the young sensation that he has compared Lamine Yamal to great players like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. Yamal is compared to Lionel Messi because there are many similarities between the two players. It is said that like the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Yamal makes the right decision and he has a turn of foot that leaves defenders clueless. Besides, he has the ability to find his way out of trouble.

Xavi praises Lamine Yamal

Xavi, one of the greatest Barcelona players told ESPN, "Let's see what the future holds without comparing him with Messi. It's not gone that well for all the players that have been compared with Messi in the past."

While comparing Yamal to greats like Messi, one should keep in mind Ansu Fati, who made the headlines at a similar age to Yamal, but he could not perform well and eventually signed for Premier League side Brighton in order to rebuild his career.

$1 Billion deal

Lamine Yamal signed a EUR 1 billion or $1.5 billion contract last month which will keep him at the Nou Camp until June 2026.

FAQs:

Q1. At what age did Lamine Yamal make his football debut?
A1. Lamine Yamal made his debut at the age of 15 years and 290 days in April and became the youngest player to appear in a competitive fixture for the Blaugrana.

Q2. Why has Lamine Yamal been compared to Lionel Messi?
A2. Lamine Yamal has been compared to Lionel Messi because there are many similarities between the two players. Like the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Yamal makes the right decision and he has a turn of foot that leaves defenders clueless. Besides, he has the ability to find his way out of trouble.