This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Best in the World’—Barcelona President Weighs in on Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi Comparisons. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has named Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world right now as he acknowledged the 18-year-old has flashed signs of an early Lionel Messi.

Lamine Yamal looks all set for another sensational season at Barcelona after igniting his preseason campaign.The Spain international, now turned 18, has been handed the iconic No.10 shirt for the

The 18-year-old has also inherited the famous number 10 shirt at the club, drawing more comparisons to Barcelona icon Lionel Messi