Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lamine Yamal while addressing comparisons with Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, found himself drawn into discussions comparing his team captain, Lionel Messi, with Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal.
Many parallels exist between the two players, including their dominant left foot, exceptional dribbling and playmaking skills, and shared development at La Masia. Adding to the intrigue, it was revealed that Messi once bathed Yamal as a toddler, further fueling the narrative that connects them. These factors have naturally led to ongoing comparisons between the two talents.
As Argentina prepared to face Brazil in a crucial CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifier, Scaloni was asked about Yamal, especially after the teenager played a key role in Spain’s qualification for the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a victory over the Netherlands.
Scaloni offered high praise for Yamal, describing the 17-year-old as one of the best footballers in the world. However, he was careful not to compare the youngster’s early career to Messi’s.
“Lamine Yamal is possibly one of the best in the world today,” Scaloni remarked, as quoted by Bein Sports. “We all know what Lionel Messi represents in football, but Yamal is excelling in Spain. I don’t feel qualified to compare how their careers began.”
Meanwhile, Scaloni may soon have the opportunity to see Yamal play firsthand if CONMEBOL and UEFA schedule a date for the Finalissima. As the reigning world champions and defending Finalissima winners, Argentina will look to maintain their dominance.
However, Spain’s impressive form could make them the first team to deny Scaloni a trophy in a competition he has contested since Argentina’s Copa América exit against Brazil.
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