Barcelona legend gives blunt response to Lamine Yamal-Lionel Messi comparisons

Tom Weber

• 22 Nov 2025 08:01 CST
• 3 min read

News

Inter Miami star Jordi Alba has addressed the comparisons between his teammate Lionel Messi and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Yamal has been compared to the Argentine megastar ever since he burst onto the scene in April 2023 as a 15-year-old. Now aged 18 and a European champion with Spain and Ballon d'Or runner-up, he has become one of football's biggest stars.

This season, Yamal has struggled with a persistent groin problem, yet he has still managed to be impactful when on the pitch. In 11 appearances, he has notched a very impressive six goals and six assists.

Messi, by contrast, had only broken into the Barcelona first team at age 17. Like Yamal, he was handed a bumper long-term contract when he turned 18, and the rest, of course, is history.

The two superstars' rise is certainly comparable, but Blaugrana legend Jordi Alba cautions against making comparisons between Messi, now aged 38 and arguably the greatest player of all time, and the precocious youngster.

Alba: No one is comparable to Messi

Speaking to Cadena SER, Alba bluntly said: "Comparing Lamine to Leo - there's no possible comparison. Leo Messi has no rival in my opinion."

He did admit that Yamal is a "fantastic" player but made sure to emphasise that the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are also crucial to Hansi Flick's current squad.

Alba was also quizzed about Messi's surprise outing at the renovated Camp Nou, of which Barcelona apparently were not aware. "We all have the key to the stadium, especially those of us who spent many years playing there," he joked. "I didn't know anything about Messi taking that photo."

Since the photo went viral, Messi has repeatedly professed his love for Barcelona, although a return to the club in a playing capacity has been ruled as he just extended his contract with Inter Miami. He did previously state, though, that he would love to play alongside Yamal.

Unlike Messi, Alba is set to call time on his storied career shortly. Inter Miami take on FC Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference semi-final on Sunday as they bid to send Alba and fellow Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets off with a league title.

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