Zanetti hails Barcelona’s 17-year-old Lamine – an extraordinary talent with a bright future

Javier Zanetti, the Argentine football legend, has lavished praise on Barcelona's 17-year-old prodigy Lamine, calling him an "incredible player" and a "unique talent" with a bright future.

Zanetti, who observed Lamine closely during a recent European match, highlighted the youngster's versatility and speed, noting, "He is very fast, whether he plays right or left. He is only 17 years old, he has already played more than 100 games."

Despite the hype, Zanetti urged caution regarding comparisons to Lionel Messi, stating, "At this time, yes, because Messi was the best for a long time. He was in the elite with a consistency that is very difficult and Leo always showed that, and Leo is the essence of football for me." He added, "If Lamine achieves that, with consistency, he will surely be on that podium. But today, the truth is that talking about him today and comparing him to Messi is very premature."

Zanetti also emphasized Lamine's composure and personality, describing him as a player who "always wants the ball" and possesses "a great personality." He revealed discussions with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, affirming, "Barcelona have an extraordinary player."

Currently in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, Lamine's rapid rise and impressive performances have caught the attention of football greats, signaling a promising career ahead.

Zanetti's endorsement underscores the high expectations surrounding the young talent, while also acknowledging the patience required for him to reach the elite status of legends like Messi.

Javier Zanetti praised Barcelona's 17-year-old Lamine as an extraordinary talent with a bright future, highlighting his speed, composure, and over 100 games played. While cautioning against premature Messi comparisons, Zanetti called Lamine a unique player with great personality and potential for football's elite.