Even Messi wasn’t at his age. Lamine Yamal shocks the world with Euro debut at 16, experts sing praises

Spain has started EURO 2024 in the best possible way. It beat Croatia 3-0 and the record-breaking Lamine Yamal, who at 16 became the youngest player in history to play in a European Championship, had a hand in it. The Barcelona star dazzled the world.

England and France are the biggest favourites to win the European title, but Spain had the first say, literally beating the dangerous Croatians 3-0. The team from the Iberian Peninsula gave an excellent performance, which was not lacking in dedication and teamwork.

However, it was one 16-year-old youngster, the jewel of Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, who impressed everyone the most. He started in the starting line-up and, at the age of 16 years and 338 days, became the youngest ever footballer to appear at the Euros.

Yamal played 86 minutes in the match, notched one assist and was one of the best players on the pitch. Even those who already know him were amazed by his performance. Already in a Barcelona jersey, he has proven to be a difference maker, however, the way he has been able to transfer his performances to the international level is incredible.

As far as his season in the Blaugranas jersey is concerned, he has jumped into 50 competitive matches in which he scored 7 goals and added 11 assists. He has a great dribbling, brilliant footballing mindset, creativity, and he doesn’t lack quality in finishing. In short, he seems to have everything to be successful.

Lamine Yamal has impressed even the experts

Although he only played his first game at the Euros on Saturday, Lamine Yamal has already started his eighth game for the Spanish national A-team. And his record is incredible. He scored 2 goals and added 7 assists. He scored 2 in the game against Brazil, which is great.

Rio Ferdinand, the legendary defender who spent most of his career with Manchester United, said that the 16-year-old gem is the most similar footballer to Lionel Messi he has ever seen. He gushed over his performance on social network X as well.

But apart from that, former national team player Fernando Llorente has also expressed his views on the youngster. “Even Messi wasn’t at that level at his age. He does incredible things, he can’t be compared to anyone,” Yahoo quoted him as saying.

Against the Croats, Yamal showed at times individual actions that Lionel Messi showed in his prime. However, Luka Modric praised him before the game. He even warned everyone about him. Such a unique talent to watch.

Source: Yahoo, X, UEFA