Not even Messi had done it," Rio Ferdinand compares young talent to the Argentine superstar

Barcelona's teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has been the subject of widespread praise in recent months, with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand going as far as to claim that the 17-year-old is achieving things that even Lionel Messi hadn't at his age.

Yamal, who won the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2023, has quickly established himself as a first-team regular at Barcelona under manager Xavi Hernandez. His impressive performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the game, with Ferdinand being the latest to heap praise on the young Spaniard.

"I've never seen a player do what he's doing at his age," Ferdinand said. "Not even Messi had done it." The former England international highlighted Yamal's ability to impact games at both a club and international level, pointing to his consistent performances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

A Rising Star

Yamal's rise to prominence has been meteoric. Since breaking into Barcelona's first team, he has consistently shown maturity beyond his years, displaying excellent technical ability, vision, and a knack for creating chances. His performances have been crucial to Barcelona's success this season, as they challenge for both La Liga and the Champions League.

However, the young star has faced some setbacks in recent months. A series of ankle injuries kept him sidelined for nearly two months, disrupting his momentum. Despite the setbacks, Yamal remains determined to continue his development and fulfill his immense potential.

Yamal Responds to Comparisons

Speaking to Diario Marca, Yamal expressed humility when asked about the comparisons to Messi. "It's an honor, but I try to write my own story," he said. "Messi is the best in history, I'm still taking my first steps. Those comparisons sometimes don't help."

The Future is Bright

There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. With his extraordinary talent and the support of his club, he has the potential to achieve great things in the years to come. While it remains to be seen whether he can live up to the lofty expectations set by Rio Ferdinand, one thing is certain: the football world is watching with great interest.