Xavi recalls Lionel Messi moment while explaining Lamine Yamal hype: ‘The same thing happened’

Xavi Compares Lamine Yamal's Rise to Lionel Messi's: 'Similar Moments'

Xavi recalls Lionel Messi moment while - At just 18, Lamine Yamal has become a standout figure in global football, despite his youth. The Barcelona winger plays a pivotal role for both club and national team, steering Spain's hopes at the FIFA World Cup with standout displays. His trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, as he debuted with the senior squad at 15 following Xavi Hernandez's confidence in him. Since then, Yamal has solidified his place as a crucial player, earning a top-two finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings last season. His fearless approach, creative flair, and game-changing potential have sparked comparisons to Barcelona's legendary icon, Lionel Messi.

Early Recognition and Shared Excitement

Reflecting on Yamal's early days, Xavi recalled the enthusiasm surrounding the young talent, drawing parallels to his own experience with Messi. In his column for The Athletic, the former coach described how Yamal's initial impact mirrored the buzz he once felt about Leo. 'I heard about him around Barcelona before I saw him,' Xavi wrote. 'People were talking about this boy—and the same thing had happened to me with Leo (Messi).'

"I was told there was an Argentinian who played really well, who stood out and so on, and with Lamine practically the same thing happened to me. The first time I saw him was in a youth match the club had recorded for us. He was 15 and put in a brilliant performance that day, providing two assists and scoring a goal. He did everything. I thought, ‘B****y hell, we don’t have anyone like this up front’."

Xavi also detailed the reasons for Yamal's swift debut. The teenager made an impression during his first training session with the senior squad, showcasing composure and precision. 'He dribbled really well. He made excellent decisions, he rarely made mistakes,' the former manager noted. 'That’s what surprised me most during the rondo drills, positional games, and matches we played with the first team. He didn’t make a mistake. We treated him very well, gave him a great contract, and spoke to his agent. From there, I could confidently give him his debut because I saw he was ready.'

Legacy and Future Potential

Xavi acknowledged Yamal's likeness to Messi but emphasized the importance of letting the young player define his own path. 'There are many similarities with Leo,' he admitted. 'But I don’t think we’re doing the boy any favours by comparing him to the greatest of all time—it puts extra pressure on him. Lamine knows he’s different. You can tell when you watch him and are around him. Just as Leo knew he was different.'

The former Barcelona manager highlighted Yamal's leadership qualities at 18, noting that such traits are rare. 'He’s a leader on the pitch who makes the difference at 18—something we’ve only seen with Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and maybe Ronaldo, ‘O Fenomeno’,' he added. 'He’s 18 and has already won three La Liga titles, a European Championship, and is in the World Cup quarter-finals.'

Looking ahead, Xavi expressed belief in Yamal's potential to shape an era. 'He could be the star of an era, provided his ambition, attitude, and determination are right,' the Spanish legend said. 'We’re looking at a world-class star who could be the best player of his generation. He’s already—if not the best—among the top five of his generation. But for me, he is different. The next 15 to 20 years belong to Lamine, if he wants.'