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Lionel Messi backs 'one of the best players in the world' Lamine Yamal to improve 'just like I did' as Barcelona legend heaps praise on Spain wonderkid

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<p>The Barcelona legend was speaking about his heir apparent in an interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx242zV3_ME&amp;ab_channel=SimplementeF%C3%BAtbol" target="_blank"><em>Simplemente Futbol</em></a>. The GOAT was effusive in his praise for Yamal, and backed the youngster to continue adding to his game, just like he did.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>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.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi said: "It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain.</p><p>"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."</p>

WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

<p>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.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

Lionel Messi backs 'one of the best players in the world' Lamine Yamal to improve 'just like I did' as Barcelona legend heaps praise on Spain wonderkid | Goal.com

Lionel Messi believes Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is already one of the best players in the world, and that the 17-year-old will continue to improve. 

Lionel Messi backs &apos;one of the best players in the world&apos; Lamine Yamal to improve &apos;just like I did&apos; as Barcelona legend heaps praise on Spain wonderkid

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