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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>Both graduates of La Masia academy</li><li>Messi has earned GOAT status</li><li>Yamal hoping to tread similar path</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>

Lamine Yamal told he 'doesn't have Lionel Messi's genius' as Fabio Capello insists Barcelona wonderkid won't 'reach level' of club legend

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<p>Inevitable <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-wonderkid-lamine-yamal-explains-why-ignore-lionel-messi-comparisons/blt6610d860cf726526" target="_blank">comparisons have been drawn between La Masia academy graduates</a> of past and present. Messi stepped out of that fabled youth system in Catalunya to become an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-explains-why-lamine-yamal-comparisons-argentine-goat-barcelona-wonderkid/blt4880f886d29e8db6" target="_blank">arguably the greatest player of all-time</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Yamal, at just 17 years of age, is hoping to head down a similar path. He has already sent records tumbling as a European Championship winner with Spain and holder of the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards. There is the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-barcelona-wonderkid-lamine-yamal-cant-be-compared-lionel-messi-another-13-years/blt8ffbaeff9724aafa" target="_blank">promise of plenty more to come</a> from him.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Many have been quick to talk up <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-heir-inter-miami-superstar-names-barcelona-wonderkid-lamine-yamal-present-and-future-world-football/blt583bf87f43cbc469" target="_blank">Yamal’s claims to being Messi’s rightful heir</a> at Barcelona, but former Real Madrid boss Capello is not convinced that the youngster <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/would-lamine-yamal-barcelona-dream-team-lionel-messi-thierry-henry-xavi-andres-iniesta-gerard-pique-bold-statement-teenage-wonderkid/bltb858628b4aae5689" target="_blank">will ever hit those heights</a>. The Italian said at the Laureus Awards ceremony when asked about Yamal: “He’s a kid who is doing important things. When he started at Barcelona, it was said that he was the new Messi. He doesn’t reach that level. He’s an extraordinary, spectacular, top player, but he doesn’t have Messi’s genius.” </p>

WHAT FABIO CAPELLO SAID

<p>Yamal has continued to star for Barca in the 2024-25 campaign, with there still <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lamine-yamal-la-liga-goal-drought-concern-barcelona-teenage-wonderkid-bids-three-trophies/blt5f60b5ea7c64f9ac" target="_blank">three more trophies for him to try and chase down</a> before the season is done. Messi, meanwhile, has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-wants-mls-cup-win-inter-miami-star-vows-come-back-stronger-play-off-heartache-herons-2024/blt2549de8b8cf2103e" target="_blank">opened his quest for MLS Cup glory in 2025</a> with current employers Inter Miami.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lamine Yamal told he 'doesn't have Lionel Messi's genius' as Fabio Capello insists Barcelona wonderkid won't 'reach level' of club legend | Goal.com

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is doing “important things”, but Fabio Capello says the teen sensation “doesn’t have Lionel Messi’s genius”.

Lamine Yamal told he &apos;doesn&apos;t have Lionel Messi&apos;s genius&apos; as Fabio Capello insists Barcelona wonderkid won&apos;t &apos;reach level&apos; of club legend

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