Ex-Barcelona director chimes in on Yamal-Messi comparisons – ‘We’ll know when he’s 30’

Speaking in an interview with Radio MARCA, former Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff backed teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to mark an era in football but refrained from comparing him to club legend Lionel Messi.

Yamal has been in stunning form for months now and is regarded as one of the best young players across the globe.

Naturally, his explosion at the age of 17, coming from the La Masia ranks, has fueled constant comparisons with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Yamal has downplayed the same, stating that he would be lucky to have half the career that the eight-time Ballon d’Or has enjoyed.

Jordi Cruyff tips Yamal for greatness. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Soccerex)

Now, Jordi Cruyff has given his opinion on the comparisons between the rising star and the global phenomenon.

“He is a different player, with a different talent, with a lot of personality for his age. From the very first day without any fear of ‘give me the ball, I’m going to make my move,’” said Cruyff.

“And the truth is that if he is not injured, he is obviously a player who is going to mark an era, but to say that he is going to be a Messi… We’ll know when he is 30 years old,” he added.

Cruyff also paid tribute to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta who retired from professional football earlier this week.

“He’s a very elegant person, it’s no coincidence that he’s one of the few footballers who, every stadium he’s played in, he’s received a standing ovation from the opposing fans. That, for me, is a sign that people appreciate the figure of Andres Iniesta,” he remarked.