De Jong: Yamal can be world’s best – But nobody reaches Messi’s level

Frenkie de Jong has offered a measured assessment of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting that while the 16-year-old can become the best player in the world, he will never reach the level of Lionel Messi.

Speaking to reporters, the Barcelona midfielder did not hold back in his praise for Yamal’s raw talent. “Lamine Yamal has an insane amount of talent,” De Jong said. “He can become the best player in the world, and he can become this multiple times in his career.”

But the Dutch international was equally emphatic when comparing Yamal to his former teammate. Messi, who scored 672 goals for Barça and won six Ballons d’Or during his time at the club, remains in a class of his own, according to De Jong.

“Speaking for myself, I believe I am never going to see someone again who will reach Lionel Messi’s level,” De Jong said. “I have seen Messi play from when I was a child, and he is the greatest footballer that has ever played. No other player comes even close to his level.”

De Jong tempered his admiration for Yamal with realism, adding: “Hopefully Lamine Yamal can become the best player in the world.”

Yamal has already broken multiple records for club and country, including becoming Barcelona’s youngest-ever scorer and Spain’s youngest men’s international. But for De Jong, matching Messi is a bar no one will ever clear.