Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has made a startling suggestion, claiming that Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, possesses the potential to surpass the achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the future. His bold statement came on the heels of Yamal’s dazzling performance for Barcelona in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old winger once again left spectators in awe during the captivating six-goal encounter. Remarkably, Yamal has already made 100 appearances for Barcelona, amassing an impressive tally of 22 goals and 33 assists at such a young age.
Speaking on CBS Sports after the enthralling match, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher drew parallels between Yamal’s current impact and Messi’s performances in his prime. “That was like watching Messi in his heyday,” Carragher remarked. “When he got the ball, the whole game stopped as people wait to see what he’s going to do.”
However, Henry took the praise a step further, contemplating Yamal’s ultimate potential. “We can talk about a lot of guys who are supposed to be on the throne and whatnot,” Henry began. “But one thing that amazes me about football is that you always think there is no way someone is going to be better – or might be better – than Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Or in my time, Pele or [Diego] Maradona… And then Yamal arrives.”
Henry’s comments highlight the exceptional talent and maturity that Yamal has displayed in his burgeoning career, prompting comparisons to the greatest players of all time.
Yamal will be hoping to replicate his stellar performance when Barcelona travel to the San Siro next week for the crucial return leg against Inter Milan, with a place in the Champions League final at stake.
