Next Messi - Former Barcelona star hails Lamine Yamal

Former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has heaped praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while also offering advice to help him navigate the pressures of top-level football.

The 18-year-old has become one of Barcelona’s most exciting talents, dazzling fans with his dribbling, vision, and maturity far beyond his years. But Petit believes the youngster’s journey will require not just talent, but resilience and maturity.

Petit did not hesitate to draw lofty comparisons between Yamal and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

“He reminds me of Messi on the right wing,” Petit told the Spanish media.

He added, “Every time he touches the ball, you can see that he generates danger. He usually attracts two or even three opponents to his zone, which opens up spaces for his teammates. That’s why Barça are so dangerous.”

The 1998 World Cup winner also highlighted Yamal’s growing chemistry with his teammates, tipping him for the highest individual honors in football.

He added, “At his age, he is a phenomenon. If he maintains this level, he will win the Ballon d’Or. And he knows that he has to repeat it, both at Barça and in the Spanish national team. The World Cup comes at the end of the season, another big goal for him.”

While Petit is convinced of Yamal’s extraordinary gifts, he stressed that talent alone is not enough.

He added, “To really consolidate, they need to win the Champions League. His qualities – technique, vision, power, intelligence in movements – are unique. The only thing that needs to improve is the mentality.”

Petit warned that while things are going well for the youngster now, adversity will eventually test his character.

“There will be many waiting to bring him down, and it will be then when we will see how he reacts.”

The Frenchman drew parallels between Yamal and compatriot Kylian Mbappé, who also faced challenges after a meteoric rise.

“For years everything was green lights, and suddenly everything fell apart and he was not the same on the pitch.”

Petit also offered words of caution about Yamal’s life outside the pitch, particularly in the social media age.

“Yamal must be careful with his communication and with the management of his social networks. Sometimes you perceive a touch of arrogance.”

“Some [greats] were arrogant, yes, but they backed it up with their game. The problem arises when the results do not accompany. In Lamine’s case, he’s still very young and his brilliance is partly due to pure talent; maturity will come. The player who is on the pitch should help him grow off it as well.”

With comparisons to Messi, predictions of future Ballon d’Or success, and warnings about pitfalls ahead, Petit’s words highlight the immense expectations surrounding Lamine Yamal.