Barcelona Expresses Displeasure Following Spain Coach’s Comparison of Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi

• Lamine Yamal's talent has attracted loads of plaudits since bursting onto the scenes with Barcelona
• The young forward was recently compared to Lionel Messi by Spain's national team coach
• Barcelona are reportedly unhappy with the Messi comparison to the young forward

Ahead of the Spanish National team's crucial Euro 2024 crucial Euro 2024 matches against Scotland and Norway, Coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the media to discuss his squad selection.

During this press conference, de la Fuente drew a comparison between Lamine Yamal, the young Barcelona talent who received his second consecutive call-up, and the legendary Lionel Messi. This remark had become a topic that Xavi Hernandez had been attempting to avoid in recent weeks.

Unsurprisingly, Barcelona expressed their dissatisfaction with de la Fuente's comments, as reported by Sport. The club was concerned that such comparisons in the media might place undue pressure on Lamine Yamal, something they believed the Spanish head coach had inadvertently done.

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Lamine Yamal's comparison to Lionel Messi

De la Fuente's comparison of Yamal to Messi was articulated as follows:

"There are players who knock on the door before others.

He has fantastic potential and, in any case, he must be taken care of. Do you remember when Messi and Maradona were 16 years old?"

Barcelona acknowledged that de la Fuente's comments were not made in bad faith but still believed that likening Yamal to both Messi and Diego Maradona was inappropriate.

Barcelona's standpoint was understandable; they aimed to shield the 16-year-old Yamal from additional pressure, considering that he was already a regular player for one of the world's most prominent clubs. Their goal was to ensure that Yamal remained focused on his game while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

It's worth noting that Yamal, who has the potential to make La Liga history with a goal this weekend, according to reports from Football Espana, already made history as Spain's youngest debutant and youngest goal scorer when he made his debut against Georgia.

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Lamine signs new Barcelona deal

Sports Brief has also reported on Yamal signing a new deal with Barcelona, with his impressive performances earning him a new deal including a staggering €1 billion release clause.

This new contract will keep the Spanish youngster with the Catalans until 2026, demonstrating the commitment of the club to his long-term development under coach Xavi Hernandez.

The 16-year-old wonderkid has already made a significant impact this season despite not yet scoring a goal. He has featured in every Barcelona game this season, garnering many plaudits.