One of the best — Argentina coach weighs in on comparison between Messi and Yamal

Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal

One of the best — Argentina coach weighs in on comparison between Messi and Yamal

Faruq Ibrahim 23:51 - 24.03.2025

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Lamine Yamal as he addressed the comparison with Lionel Messi.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was pulled into the comparisons between his captain Lionel Messi and Barcelona's young sensation, Lamine Yamal. 

There are many similarities between both players: their dominant foot (left), dribbling and playmaking ability, La Masia trained and Barcelona. All of that plus the revelation that Messi bathed Yamal as a toddler has created a narrative surrounding both players, which has unavoidably led to comparisons

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What Scaloni said 

On Episode Five of the Only Football podcast, Pulse Sports analysts also took part in the comparison, as the panel debated who was better as a teenager. 

Ahead of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against Brazil, Scaloni was asked about Yamal and the comparisons with Messi as the teenager had just played an important role in helping Spain qualify for the semi-final of the Nations League over the Netherlands. 

Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal | Credit: IMAGO

Scaloni hailed Yamal, stating that the 17-year-old was one of the best footballers in the world; however, he shied away from comparing both players as teenagers. "Lamine Yamal is possibly one of the best in the world today,” Scaloni said, per Bein Sports. “We know what Leo Messi means for the world of football, but Yamal is doing very well in Spain. I don't feel qualified to compare their beginnings.”

Meanwhile, Scaloni could get the chance to see the Yamal up close should CONMEBOL and UEFA fix a date for the Finalissima. Although Argentina are world champions and defending Finalissima kings, Spain are on a steady run , and could be the first team to prevent Scaloni from lifting a trophy he competed for since their Copa America exit to Brazil in 

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