Hansi Flick Agrees with Gavi: Lamine Yamal is the Best Player in the World Right Now, But Don't Compare Him to Lionel Messi

Is Lamine Yamal the best player in the world right now? Hansi Flick thinks so—but don’t compare him to Lionel Messi.

In a statement that has sparked intense debate among football fans and analysts, Germany's former head coach, Hansi Flick, echoed Gavi’s bold claim that Lamine Yamal is currently the best player in the world. However, Flick made it clear that comparing the young Spanish prodigy to Lionel Messi is unnecessary and unfair.

"Lamine is extraordinary, no doubt. At his age, achieving what he has is phenomenal. But Lionel Messi is on another level—his legacy is untouchable," Flick said during an interview.

Yamal, who has been dazzling fans with his performances for both Barcelona and Spain, is widely regarded as the future of football. At just 16 years old, his vision, dribbling skills, and ability to make decisive plays have earned him comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest names.

Flick’s remarks resonate with many who believe that while Yamal has a bright future, comparisons to Messi—a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner—place unnecessary pressure on the teenager.

Football pundits argue that such debates risk overshadowing Yamal’s unique talent. "He deserves to grow into his own legacy, not under Messi's shadow," said one analyst.

As the world watches Yamal’s meteoric rise, the question remains: Can he carve his own path and achieve greatness without being constantly compared to the legends who came before him?