'I play with the world's second-best player - he's only behind Lionel Messi'
'I play with the world's second-best player - he's only behind Lionel Messi'
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Barcelona star Gavi has claimed that only Lionel Messi is currently better than rising star Lamine Yamal. The Catalan club sit third in La Liga, having endured poor league form since November, but have excelled in cup competitions. Hansi Flick’s side are second in the Champions League table and have qualified for the round of 16. They also reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 5-1 dismantling of Real Betis.
Barcelona's attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, has been a force to be reckoned with. However, teenage winger Yamal has consistently stolen the spotlight, leading to inevitable comparisons with Messi, a fellow La Masia graduate. The teenager announced himself to the world as he helped Spain win Euro 2024 and has continued in the same vein for Barcelona this season, with nine goals and 12 assists in 27 games so far this term. Yamal’s recent dazzling display against Betis in the Copa del Rey led Gavi to mention him in the same sentence as one of the all-time greats.
“For me, he is the best in the world, second only to Messi,” Gavi told Sport but quickly shut down direct comparisons. “Lamine is very good, the best at the moment. But it's silly to compare him with Messi because there will only be one. “Messi is unique. Just like there will only be one Xavi, one Iniesta or one Busquets. We have to make our own way. Lamine is the best right now, and I hope he continues like that.”.
