Lionel Messi believes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is already 'one of the best players in the world', and that the 17-year-old will continue to improve.
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- Messi says Yamal "has incredible qualities"
- Argentinian backs youngster to grow
- Winger will "add things to his game"
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- AFP
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Barcelona legend was speaking about his heir apparent in an interview with . The GOAT was effusive in his praise for Yamal, and backed the youngster to continue adding to his game, just like he did.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi applauded Yamal for the amazing things he's already achieved at such a young age, in particular the European Championship he won with Spain last summer. Just 16-years-old for the majority of that tournament, Yamal set records for the youngest player to play and score in a Euros, and scooped the Golden Boy award for his consistency over the tournament as a whole.
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WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID
Messi said: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain.
"He’s still only 17, he's in a growth process, and he'll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world."
- AP
WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?
Barca hold a four point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, face off against Los Blancos in the final of the Copa Del Rey later this month and have a Champions League semi-final against Inter to prepare for. Winning a treble and an international trophy before his 18th birthday would give Yamal one of the greatest starts to a career we've ever seen.
