Ever since Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene at Barcelona, comparisons to Lionel Messi have been constant. Fans and pundits alike have drawn parallels between the two La Masia products, with some even claiming the young Spaniard could surpass the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

But not everyone is buying into the hype. Former Barca midfielder Jeffren Suarez — who came through the club’s academy and debuted with the first team in 2009 — spoke on the Helado Oscuro podcast and downplayed the quality of both Yamal and Messi.

“He’s 18 years old, and it’s normal that he doesn’t know the consequences of his actions, but you have to get through to him, because if you don’t do it in time… forget it,” Suarez said of Yamal. He did add, however, that he believes the club will guide him correctly: “I

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