Messi is untouchable! Luis Enrique delivers brutal verdict on Lamine Yamal comparisons

The eternal debate surrounding Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal has received another explosive verdict! Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has made it clear where he stands, insisting that even Barcelona's extraordinary young superstar cannot yet be compared with the Argentine legend.

Details: Speaking ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League encounter with Barcelona on October 20, Luis Enrique declared that Lionel Messi remains the greatest footballer of all time. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish manager rejected attempts to compare the Argentine legend with Lamine Yamal. However, Enrique also praised Barcelona's 19 year old winger for his maturity and determination to develop his own identity. The PSG coach stressed that Yamal wants to become the best version of himself rather than imitate Messi, describing that approach as a sign of intelligence.

• Also read: The Turks will try to bounce back from the thrashing. Fenerbahçe vs Slavia Prague prediction

The comparison between Messi and Yamal has followed the Barcelona youngster for several years. Both players developed through La Masia, established themselves in the club's first team at an extraordinarily young age and became known for their exceptional left foot. Their close control, creativity and ability to beat defenders have encouraged supporters to draw parallels between the two. However, Enrique believes those similarities should not obscure the extraordinary achievements that made Messi a unique figure in football history.

The PSG manager is particularly qualified to discuss the Argentine's greatness. Enrique coached Messi at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, winning the Champions League, two La Liga titles and numerous other trophies. During that period, the Argentine formed one of the most devastating attacking combinations in football history alongside Neymar and Luis Suárez. Enrique witnessed Messi's brilliance every day, giving his assessment considerable weight.

Yet his comments were far from an attack on Yamal. The Spanish coach highlighted the teenager's ambition to build a career based on his own strengths and personality. That attitude could prove essential as the young winger continues to face enormous expectations. Rather than attempting to reproduce every aspect of Messi's game, Yamal has developed his own attacking style and increasingly influential role within Hansi Flick's Barcelona team.

The timing of Enrique's remarks adds even more intrigue to the debate. PSG are preparing to host Barcelona in one of the most anticipated matches of the Champions League league phase. Yamal has been in exceptional form this season, producing nine goals and nine assists in his opening eleven appearances, according to DailySports. His performances have helped Barcelona maintain a perfect start to their European campaign, while PSG have also won both of their opening matches.

Enrique will now face the challenge of stopping the player he has just praised. The PSG manager has emphasised that controlling possession and maintaining collective organisation are essential against Barcelona's dangerous attacking players. The possible absence of Nuno Mendes could further complicate that task, potentially leaving Lucas Digne responsible for containing Yamal on PSG's left defensive flank. For the young Spaniard, the encounter offers another opportunity to demonstrate his quality against one of Europe's strongest opponents.

It's worth noting that Lionel Messi scored 672 goals in 778 official appearances for Barcelona and won four Champions League titles with the Catalan club. He has also collected a record eight Ballons d'Or and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup trophy. Yamal, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as one of the leading players of his generation. Luis Enrique's assessment reflects admiration for both footballers while maintaining that Messi's historical status remains unmatched.

Reminder: Paradise for Yamal! PSG leader expected to miss Barcelona clash.