Lamine Yamal’s emergence on the global soccer scene has taken fans and pundits by surprise, with inevitable comparisons to Lionel Messi as the young star shines at FC Barcelona. Now, a legend of Real Madrid and AC Milan has weighed in on the debate with a blunt verdict: “Nobody can compare to Messi.”
Clarence Seedorf, who won four UEFA Champions League trophies (one with Ajax, one with Real Madrid, and two with AC Milan), has been a pivotal midfielder for every team he’s played for. The Dutch legend shared the pitch with stars like Pirlo, Kaká, and Raúl, but says none of them came close to Messi’s brilliance over the past two decades.
Speaking with DSports, Seedorf was asked if Yamal can be compared to the Argentine icon. The answer was immediate: “You can’t. You have to be careful with certain things. Nobody can compare themselves to Messi over the last 20 years. That kid has tremendous talent, but it’s far too early to compare him with Messi.”
Seedorf also explained why the debate between the two Barcelona academy graduates is misguided. “I don’t like it because they play a different game, because it puts too much pressure on him, and because Messi is still playing,” Seedorf candidly stated.
Clarence Seedorf of the Netherlands arrives for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2016 on January 9, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland.
He also addressed keeping a constant level as the key for Yamal to reach Messi’s status: “Also, we have to see if his career can continue on this path. You have to know how to sustain it over time and show, as the years go by, what level you’ll reach and which clubs you’ll play for. Right now, it’s a lot of pressure, a heavy burden. Messi made history, and there hasn’t been anyone like him in this century.”
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Even with several generational talents performing in the 21st century — including Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, and Neymar — Seedorf, despite his Real Madrid past, is clear about Messi’s dominance. Regarding comparisons with Yamal, he stressed that the young Spaniard still has a long way to go before approaching the Argentine legend.
Is Messi Seedorf’s GOAT?
Given Seedorf’s praise, one might assume Messi is his pick for the greatest soccer player of all time. Yet, the Dutch midfielder also acknowledged the impact icons like Diego Maradona and Pelé made in their respective eras.
“It has a lot to do with the impact each player had at the time they played. We’ve seen it from Pelé to Maradona and Messi — players who were ahead of their time. They did things that were new, different from what their own generation could do,” the Real Madrid legend stated. “I prefer to enjoy it rather than compare, and fortunately, we have new talents like Lamine Yamal emerging now,” he added, signaling optimism about the Spaniard as a potential next-generation star.
