Marcus Rashford Praises Lamine Yamal as Closest Talent to Lionel Messi

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has heaped praise on Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, describing the 19-year-old winger as the most talented player he has ever played alongside and comparing his trajectory to that of Lionel Messi. Speaking during an interaction with supporters at Old Trafford ahead of a Champions League fixture against Roma, Rashford shared his high regard for the Spanish teenager.

Rashford, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona before returning to Old Trafford, explained that he took the opportunity to tell Yamal how special he is prior to leaving the Catalan club. He emphasized that the youngster's abilities surpass those of every other elite player he has shared a pitch with throughout his career.

Reflecting on Yamal's unique capabilities, Rashford noted that he has never witnessed a player of that age display such extraordinary skill. He added that the teenager is the closest modern footballer to reach the legendary level set by Lionel Messi, whom Rashford considers an unmatched, complete genius that fans may never see replicated in their lifetime.

The English forward also expressed immense confidence in Yamal's future accomplishments on the individual stage. Having already recorded impressive placements in recent Ballon d'Or votings—finishing eighth, second, and third respectively over recent years—Rashford remarked that securing seven Ballon d'Or titles eventually would not shock him given the player's profound talent.

Despite his heavy praise for Yamal and Messi, Rashford voiced his opinion that Harry Kane deserved to win the recent Ballon d'Or honor. Pointing to Kane's exceptional scoring record and playmaking contributions across the calendar year, Rashford revealed that he reached out via text message to congratulate him on his stellar performances.

Aside from discussing his former Barcelona teammate, Rashford shed light on his decision to return to Manchester United following a subsequent loan stint at Aston Villa. He admitted that he realized he could not continuously play against Manchester United in domestic competition, instructing his agent that if a reunion with his former club fell through, his only alternative would be a move abroad rather than joining another Premier League side.

While Rashford remains sidelined from the pitch due to a hip injury, the Manchester United squad has continued its campaign. Recent fixtures saw young academy product Shea Lacey make a significant impact off the bench in the Champions League, helping inspire a comeback victory against Roma amid growing international interest in the teenager's future representing England or the Republic of Ireland.