Barcelona continue to produce extraordinary talents through La Masia, but few players have captured global attention as quickly as Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old winger has already become central to Barcelona’s present and future, and now one of football’s great midfielders has added his voice to the growing praise.
Inter Milan and Netherlands legend Wesley Sneijder has openly stated that Yamal possesses the quality to be even better than Lionel Messi, an opinion that immediately sparked excitement across the Barça community.
In awe of Yamal
Sneijder did not hesitate to draw a direct line between the young winger and the Argentine legend.
Before delivering his main assessment, he acknowledged how rare it is for a teenager to generate such universal admiration. He then made his feelings clear.
“We talk about whether Lamine Yamal can be Messi one day. Well, Lamine Yamal is already the new Messi at Barça,” he said as quoted by SPORT.
The Dutchman also addressed the pressure and constant media attention surrounding the youngster.
Despite the headlines and occasional controversy, Sneijder believes Yamal’s future will remain tied to Barcelona for many years. He explained his view by emphasising the player’s deep connection with the club.
“Lamine will never be allowed to leave, and I don’t think the boy would ever want to leave.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Sneijder has praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
“He’s been there since he was young and has already achieved a lot as a first-team player.
“He’s earned a lot of money and is a big star on the team. Why would he consider going to England, Germany, or anywhere else? It doesn’t make sense.”
Yamal’s dedication to Barcelona
Yet Sneijder also allowed room for a distant possibility, comparing Yamal’s long-term path to Messi’s own journey.
After outlining the strength of the youngster’s bond with Barcelona, he added,
“Maybe he’ll leave later, as Messi did in his day, to try new experiences, but today we are in 2025. If we talk again in ten years, Lamine Yamal will still be at Barcelona.”
The conversation naturally turned to the biggest question of all – whether Yamal can match or surpass Messi’s legendary level.
Sneijder responded with unfiltered optimism, noting the winger’s extraordinary progress at such a young age.
“It’s possible that Lamine can reach Messi’s level or even go beyond it to become a better player. Players improve every year, and he is already at a very high level,” he concluded.