Lionel Messi is often spoken about highly by his fellow football professionals but the Inter Miami star repaid the favour for one ‘future’ star.

The Argentine is still at the height of his powers despite now being 37, this was seen as Messi was named the 2024 MLS MVP.

Despite some criticism from fans across the MLS, Alexi Lalas defender the decision to name Messi the MVP.

While the previous season did not end how Messi or Inter Miami would have wanted the team appears to mean business going into the new campaign.

The club have been linked with Neymar, as well as Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

New manager Javier Mascherano recently praised Messi for his impact on the MLS, but it was Messi who was handing out the compliments in a recent interview.

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi will always have strong links to Barcelona and his love and passion for the club extends to their new crop of stars.

Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia, has produced some of the best footballers to grace the field including Messi himself, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

Another La Masia star Marc Bartra has recently been linked with a move to Miami.

Their latest star Lamine Yamal has come in for high praise from Messi.

Messi was asked by the media, while on a charity trip to Azerbaijan, which current player reminded him of a young version of himself.

Messi said: “There are many good players from the new generation, but of course, I will mention one because of his age and what he has been doing, which is Lamine [Yamal], he is already the present and the future.”

At the age of just 17 and to be performing at such a high level on the world stage it’s no surprise that the comparisons have been made.

How Yamal and Messi’s stats compare

Current Barcelona player Raphina recently played down the comparisons between Yamal and Messi and instead likened him to another star.

Speaking to El Pais, Raphina compared Yamal to Inter Miami target Neymar.

However, you cannot ignore Messi’s latest comments and comparing Yamal and Messi’s stats seems a good idea.

Here’s a look at their stats in their first two seasons with Barcelona.

	Lamine Yamal	Lionel Messi
Appearences	65	34
Goal contributions	27	14
Trophies	2	3

While Yamal’s early stats look promising he still has some way to go to match the achievements of Messi.

The Argentine himself will be hoping that his current side Inter Miami can uncover some gems like Yamal.

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