According to Mundo Deportivo, former player Míchel Salgado discussed the similarities between Messi and Yamal.
Salgado believes there are "similarities" between Messi and Yamal, though he also understands that it is too early to compare the two at the same level, as the Argentinian is a player "from another galaxy."
Salgado stated: "We are all very excited to see what kind of Yamal we will witness at this World Cup; it will be incredible. Messi is a player from another galaxy, but they do share similarities. Yamal is the kind of player you love to watch. Not many players possess such one-on-one ability. I would not even say just one-on-one, but one-on-two, one-on-three. Messi had that too back in the day."
The former Celta and Real Madrid player recalled that both had come through La Masia and made their Barcelona first-team debuts "as children."
Salgado said: "Messi came here at 12, while Yamal arrived even earlier. They both grew up in Barcelona's special football environment. It is incredible what Lamine Yamal has achieved at 17. It is true that he still lacks a Champions League title, but he has plenty of time to win it. He has already managed to win the European Championship and become one of the tournament's important players, which is not easy."
Salgado is now serving as an ambassador and analyst for Betfair at this World Cup. The tournament kicks off tonight in Mexico City, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. Salgado emphasized that comparing the Spanish international with the Argentine star is "difficult" because "Messi is one of the best in history."
Salgado stated: "I was lucky enough to see Messi from the beginning. We talked about it in the Real Madrid locker room the moment he scored a hat-trick against us in his first Clásico. We knew then that he was a different kind of player, one who was reaching the level of a great player. But when I say great players, I mean Maradona, Pelé... those who defined an era and stood above everyone else."
As for Yamal and the start of this World Cup, Salgado's only concern is the physical condition of the Barcelona winger, as he has not played since suffering an injury at the club.
Salgado said: "Yamal has been under high-intensity demands throughout the season, whether in the Champions League, La Liga, or other competitions, that much is clear. It is very difficult to tell a child to hold back now. Firstly, because he is very young; secondly, because he wants to win all titles; thirdly, because it is a World Cup year." The former Galician player also admitted that, as a professional footballer, "controlling playing time and effort is complex."