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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Yamal starring for Barcelona</li><li>Likened to Barca icon Messi</li><li>Comparisons need to "slow down"</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Slow down!' - Barcelona told why Lamine Yamal comparisons with Lionel Messi must stop despite wonderkid's 'spectacular' form for Hansi Flick's side

Copa del Rey

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Atletico Madrid

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Inter Miami CF

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<p>After Yamal's stunning rise at Barca and for Spain, the 17-year-old has, naturally, been compared to the phenomenon that is Inter Miami's Messi. However, Sevilla's Saul believes <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-lamine-yamal-comparisons-lionel-messi-annoying-ex-barcelona-star-teenage-wonderkid-backed-legend/blt17c9901395f69250" target="_blank">those comparisons will not help the teenager succeed</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He told <a href="https://www.eldesmarque.com/futbol/sevilla-fc/20250208/saul-niguez-mensaje-lamine-yamal-sevilla-barcelona_300580065.html" target="_blank">ElDesmarque</a>: "If they want Lamine Yamal to succeed, they have to slow down, not just a little, but a lot, with the comparisons. If they want him to do well, they have to slow down a lot. Firstly, because Messi is unique. I don't think there will be anyone who can come close to him. Cristiano is unique. They are players who have been in the elite for 10, 15, 20 years giving a stratospheric level. Since the EURO, Lamine Yamal has been spectacular, but comparisons are not good.&nbsp;As Spanish fans, we have to protect the boy, let him dedicate himself to playing, let him flow and let things go well for him."&nbsp;</p><p></p>

WHAT SAUL SAID

<p>Yamal is arguably <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kopa-trophy-lamine-yamal-barcelona-spain-2024-ballon-d-or/blt8f41a70a2ce1430d" target="_blank">one of the best players in the world</a> already but comparing him to one of the greatest players of all time, in Messi, may not be helpful to the young winger. The Spaniard is a special talent in his own right and Messi comparisons may heap extra, and unnecessary, pressure on him.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Saul could face off against Yamal when Sevilla host Barcelona in La Liga action on Sunday.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Slow down!' - Barcelona told why Lamine Yamal comparisons with Lionel Messi must stop despite wonderkid's 'spectacular' form for Hansi Flick's side | Goal.com

Sevilla star Saul has explained why the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi need to &quot;slow down&quot;.

&apos;Slow down!&apos; - Barcelona told why Lamine Yamal comparisons with Lionel Messi must stop despite wonderkid&apos;s &apos;spectacular&apos; form for Hansi Flick&apos;s side

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