Lionel Messi downplayed by former Barcelona teammate, who also questions Lamine Yamal

Lionel Messi is, without a doubt, the most important player in the history of Barcelona. He spent 17 years at the club and led them through their most successful era, leaving behind a legacy that Lamine Yamal now seems destined to carry forward. However, a former teammate of Leo has now voiced criticism toward both superstars.

“He’s not the one making the difference,” said Jeffren Suarez about Yamal during a recent interview with Helado Oscuro. The former Venezuelan midfielder made it clear that the young winger is simply one part of an outstanding team. “Barcelona has very good players and people talk about Pedri,” he pointed out.

To explain his view, Jeffren drew a comparison between today’s Barcelona squad and the one he was part of more than a decade ago. “It’s like if Xavi and Iniesta hadn’t played with Messi, Messi wouldn’t be who he is,” said the 37-year-old former player. “Look at when he went to PSG.”

Suarez played alongside Messi for four seasons at the Catalan club, from 2007 to 2011. During that time, he featured in 34 matches, scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists. However, due to the high level of competition for his position, coach Pep Guardiola eventually decided to move on without him.

Jeffren Suarez of Barcelona in action during the La Liga match between Malaga and Barcelona at La Rosaleda Stadium on May 21, 2011 in Malaga, Spain.

After continuing his career at clubs like Sporting CP and Valladolid, Jeffren faded from the elite soccer scene and spent his final years playing in lower-profile leagues in Cyprus, Croatia, and Thailand. He recently retired after stints with Lamphun Warriors F.C. and Chiangmai United F.C.

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Barcelona’s special treatment of Messi

In the same conversation, Jeffren Suarez spoke about what it was like to be Lionel Messi’s teammate during that era at Barcelona. “You couldn’t touch Messi and there were a lot of problems with that,” said the former player. “If you went in hard during training, people would look at you funny. Or he would say something himself. It was like, ‘Hey, what are you doing? Be careful.’”

According to Jeffren, the subject was even somewhat taboo within the locker room: “If you were part of his circle, you could joke about it, but if not, he was more distant. And I get it — he was the one saving your games. No one dared to go in hard on him, of course.”

Yamal’s future, according to Jeffren

Speaking about Lamine Yamal, Suarez emphasized how a player’s personal life can affect on-field performance, especially amid reports of the young winger’s alleged love of partying. “He’s 18 years old and it’s normal that he doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions,” Jeffren explained.

“You have to keep him in check, because if you don’t do it in time… forget it,” added the 37-year-old former midfielder, issuing a warning about the potential challenges Lamine could face if he doesn’t take his star status seriously. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism: “I think Barça will do things right.”