Mallorca manager compares Barcelona wonderkid to Lionel Messi after stunning goal

Mallorca manager Javier Aguirre bowed down to the quality of a certain Lamine Yamal, who scored the only goal in Barcelona’s recent 1-0 win, comparing the 16-year-old talent to Lionel Messi.

Aguirre acknowledged Barcelona’s dominance in their narrow triumph at Montjuïc, ultimately yielding to the undeniable prowess of Yamal, who secured victory for his team with a remarkable goal, showcasing exceptional quality on the field.

Owing to the unavailability of several players, manager Xavi was forced to make multiple changes and as a result, not just Yamal, but even the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Marc Guiu made it to the playing XI.

Speaking about the young guns of Barcelona, Aguirre had nothing but admiration.

“Barça’s youth team is never-ending. It’s always been like that. Today they played with 8 kids,” he was quoted by SPORT.

Yamal looks like Messi

Speaking further, Aguirre likened Yamal’s quality to Messi, saying that the former’s current performance reminds him of Messi’s early years.

“I saw Messi when he was with the Barça youth team. I saw him for five minutes and he was a rat, he didn’t stop scoring goals. 

Lamine Yamal scored the winner against Mallorca. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

“This [Yamal] also looks like a rat. He’s young, they work well with young people here and yes Keep going like this and it will bring many more joys to Barça.”

Speaking about his goal, he added, “What can I say about Lamine Yamal? The kid just shot and decided to score right on the edge of the net. That’s it! Good night!” *laughs*

On Cubarsi and Rafa Marquez

Interestingly, Aguirre had some words reserved for Cubarsi as well, adding that there is a reason why the young defender is away from the spotlight and that is because he is not a goalscoring forward like Yamal.

“He [Cubarsi] shines less and doesn’t define points like Yamal. The defenders play a secondary role, the one who scores the goal is always the one who gets the most attention.”

Lastly, the Mallorca manager also talked about Rafa Marquez being Barcelona’s new manager, adding, “Rafa Marquez is prepared to manage Barça. He has had great teachers. He knows what this is about, he has a good personality. He’s a measured manager. I’ve watched his team play and it’s very clear.”