Speaking on El Larguero (h/t SPORT), former Barcelona left-back and club legend Jordi Alba addressed the supposed similarities between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old Barcelona wonderkid has been constantly compared to the eight-time Ballon d’Or since his breakthrough and meteoric rise over the past couple of seasons.
However, Alba was clear on the matter, saying that there is simply nobody on the level of Messi, with whom he currently plays at Inter Miami.
The former Barcelona full-back stated: “Comparing Lamine with Leo… there’s no comparison. Leo Messi has no rival in my opinion.”
Alba also highlighted the value of the group Hansi Flick is building and added that, besides Lamine, “many others, such as De Jong, Pedri… although Lamine is a great player”, are also important.
Regarding the recent photograph of Messi at the Spotify Camp Nou, after the former captain secretly visited the stadium, Alba joked:
“We all have the key to the stadium, especially those of us who have spent many years playing there,” adding that “I didn’t know anything about Messi taking that photo.”
Speaking about Messi’s departure from Barcelona, Alba said: “I haven’t spoken to Messi about his departure from Barça. I suppose it wasn’t the best departure or the one he would have liked.”
Even so, the left-back is convinced that Messi will get a grand tribute from the Catalan giants.
“In the end, I think he will be honoured if Leo wants it, and I hope he will be. It will be a very nice party,” he said.
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami
Nobody on Messi’s level, according to Alba. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
As for the possibility of renaming the Spotify Camp Nou after Messi, he responded: “They don’t ask me those questions here… I don’t know, I don’t know if Messi would like that. I think Camp Nou is fine.”
His career
Alba also spoke about his announced retirement at the end of this year and said that “the enthusiasm you have when you’re 20 wears off.”
Even though he is hanging up his boots, he acknowledged that “the renewal was planned. I have no problem stepping aside when I think it’s time.”
It was a decision, like his teammate and fellow Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets’, “based on a personal choice.”
Reflecting on his career, he said: “I know what I have done in my career and it has been very nice. I have performed at a high level; then, my character has played tricks on me.”
Barcelona elections
Looking ahead to the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections, Alba avoided going into detail.
However, giving his thoughts on former manager Xavi Hernandez’s appearance at Victor Font’s campaign event, he commented: “If Xavi has gone, it will be for a reason.”
On a personal level, Alba did not take a position: “I do not think Laporta needs my support.”
In any case, he will observe the elections from the outside and has no intention of involving himself in any candidacy.
“Support? It depends on what they offer me (laughs). I don’t think I have the head or the time… what I want is to enjoy my family,” he said.