"I don't know how far he'll go" - Ex-Argentina coach addresses comparisons between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal

Former Argentina coach Fernando Signorini has weighed in on the comparisons between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Signorini said he wasn't sure how far Yamal would go and that the Spaniard shouldn't constantly be placed on a pedestal.

During a recent Q&A session, Signorini said (via Flashscore):

"We shouldn't push him too hard. He has the world's expectations on him. I don't know how far he'll go. I love watching him play. It's a matter of taste. It's perverse to compare them. If you don't give him anything, why would he demand anything in return?”

After La Pulga departed the Camp Nou in 2021, Barcelona had not witnessed a strong talent until Yamal appeared. The 17-year-old has been exquisite and has restored Blagurana's attacking lethality this term.

Yamal's proficiency in producing goals, converting opportunities created, and dazzling around defensive setups restores memories of Lionel Messi. At 17, Yamal has helped Barcelona win three domestic trophies this term — LaLiga, Supercopa de España, and Copa del Rey.

His display has also put him in the 2025 Ballon d’Or discussion at a young age, something that several experienced players have struggled to achieve. However, whether Yamal will be able to reach Lionel Messi's heights at Barcelona is a question that will be answered in the coming years.

"He has incredible qualities" - Lionel Messi on Lamine Yamal

SOCCER: MAY 18 MLS Inter Miami CF vs Orlando City SC - Source: Getty

In April 2025, La Pulga claimed that Lamine Yamal possesses tremendous football qualities. The Argentine icon also lauded Yamal's display, branding it ‘impressive.’

In a discussion with Simplemente Futbol, Messi said (via GOAL):

"It’s impressive what Lamine Yamal shows… he's already been a Euro champion with Spain. He’s still only 17, he's in a growth process, and he'll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did. He has incredible qualities and he’s already one of the best players in the world."

With one game left to play this term for Barcelona, Yamal has delivered 18 goals and 25 assists in 54 games across competitions. Meanwhile, Messi has registered 10 goals and three assists in 17 games for Inter Miami in 2025.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Parag Jain