Thierry Henry Suggests Lamine Yamal ‘Might Be Better’ Than Messi After Champions League Performance

Football legend Thierry Henry has suggested that Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal could potentially surpass Lionel Messi, following a standout performance in the Champions League semi-final.

The 17-year-old winger delivered a dazzling display on Wednesday night during Barcelona’s 3–3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

His performance drew widespread praise, with some pundits even likening his talent to that of Messi at his peak.

Yamal, who already has 100 appearances for Barcelona, has racked up 22 goals and 33 assists — a remarkable tally for such a young player.

His consistent contributions have further solidified his status as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.

Speaking on CBS Sports after the match, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Yamal’s style of play reminded him of watching Messi “in his heyday.” Henry, a fellow panellist, took it a step further, saying:

“We can talk about a lot of guys who are supposed to be on the throne and whatnot. But one thing that amazes me about football is that you always think there is no way someone is going to be better – or might be better – than Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Or in my time, Pele or [Diego] Maradona… And then Yamal arrives.”

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand also joined in the praise, calling Yamal the best footballer currently playing in the top five European leagues.

“As a pure football talent, I’m going as far as to say I think Lamine Yamal is on another level to any player playing the game in the top [five] leagues in world football,” Ferdinand posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Even Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi was left impressed by the teenager’s performance.

“[He is a] difficult player to mark,” Inzaghi said. “In the last 25 minutes of the first half, Lamine Yamal caused us a lot of problems. He is a talent that is born once every 50 years. I had never seen him live and today he impressed me.”

Despite the praise, Yamal has distanced himself from comparisons to Messi. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match, he said:

“I don’t compare myself to him. I don’t compare myself to anyone – and much less with Messi. I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less. I’m going to enjoy myself, and be myself.”

During TNT Sports’ live broadcast of the match, Ferdinand, serving as a commentator, reacted with amazement after Yamal scored.

“You want to see brilliance? The youngest man on the pitch has produced it. This kid is taking the mick.”

Fellow commentator Ally McCoist added:

“Once Lamine Yamal gets half a yard… that is genius. What a treat this is. It’s absolutely magical.”

With plaudits from football greats and opponents alike, Yamal’s meteoric rise is turning heads — and perhaps rewriting expectations for football’s future stars.