Ex-Spanish star Fernando Llorente admits not even Lionel Messi was at the level of Lamine Yamal at 16

Fernando Llorente explained why Lamine Yamal could be considered to sit above the all-time greats at his age.

Ex-Spanish star Fernando Llorente admits not even Lionel Messi was at the level of Lamine Yamal at 16

Fernando Llorente (center) suggested Lamine Yamal is better than Lionel Messi at 16. (via IMAGO)

Ex-Spanish forward Fernando Llorente, while speaking to Sky Sports Italia, made a bold claim by declaring that Lamine Yamal is a better player than Lionel Messi, at his age. These comments came after the 16-year old forward impressed the football world during Spain’s 3-0 win over Croatia in the Euros.

The 16-year old football prodigy who made it out of the famed La Masia academy, following the footsteps of his predecessor, Messi, has been generating headlines for the past few months. Having already broken several records with Barcelona and Spain, the teenager became the youngest player to feature and provide an assist at the European Championships. The Barca prodigy broke the record previously set by Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski in 2020.

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Fernando Llorente’s statements follow Yamal’s excellent 2023/24 campaign, and his brilliant display in Spain’s inaugural match against Croatia at the Euros. The former Spurs forward praised Yamal’s rapid rise, suggesting the 16-year-old might surpass all-time greats at this stage. He noted that even Messi wasn’t at Yamal’s level at the same age. Barcelona fans will be having similar expectations from the 16-year old as well.

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Not even Messi was at this level at that age. Lamine Yamal does extraordinary things. He can’t be compared to anyone.
Fernando Llorente on Lamine Yamal (via Sky Sports Italia)

Although it might seem absurd, his claim is somewhat true because of the fact that the 16-year old has made more than 50 appearances for the Barcelona senior side. He is much ahead of Lionel Messi, who had to wait for his senior team until the age of 17.

Lamine Yamal shines as Spain register a thumping victory over Croatia at the Euros

16-year old Lamine Yamal provided an assist, helping Spain register an emphatic 3-0 victory against Croatia, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. The win kick-started La Roja‘s Euro 2024 campaign on a highly positive note.

Spain vs Croatia
Spain defeated Croatia at the Euros 2024. (via IMAGO)

Despite being put in what is being called the ‘Group of Death’, consisting of Croatia, reigning champions Italy and Albania, Spain are expected to make it through to the next stages after their brilliant opener. La Roja dominated the match against Luka Modric‘s side, scoring all their goals in the very first half itself. They were helped by strikes from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal in the 29th, 32nd and 45th minutes.

Moreover, Yamal shone in his eighth appearance for his country, already scoring twice since he made his debut. He is expected to emulate and shatter the records of the Spaniard greats, Fernando Torres and David Villa.

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