Mendieta's wish about Lamine Yamal: "I hope he lasts as long as Messi"

Gaizka Mendieta was one of the Barça figures who accompanied the Barça Legends on their visit to Argentina's River Plate (2-0). Before the match held at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, the former Basque midfielder spoke with the 'CNN' network about Lamine Yamal.

Although he avoided comparing him with Leo Messi or other Barça 'cracks', the 'Muciélago' did establish a parallel between the Mataró native and 'La Pulga' when praising his talent. 

"He has the talent, it's there. Lamine works for that every day. I hope he can last as long as Messi and give us many joys for many years, to Barça and the National Team," said the former Barcelona and Valencia player.

In turn, Mendieta made it clear that, beyond his youth, the demands of each season for the players must be taken into account. More now, when the calendars are increasingly tough, with 60 or more official matches at club level.

Mendieta trusts in Lamine's environment and personality to shine for many years

"He has just turned 18 years old... Each season is an eternity for a footballer, I hope he can continue in that line. I know that he is a humble kid, with his head and feet on the ground. He is also surrounded by a good environment, which is very important so that he can continue growing and improving," he argued.

In turn, Gaizka was asked about the controversies that, inevitably, may arise in the press and social networks linked to the Mataró native. A scenario that the Bilbao native did not have to deal with in his career.

"Being such a popular public figure will always generate noise and rumors that are not always true, more with the massification of platforms and people who talk about it. I understand that from his environment and from his person he must go out to deny any rumor in the best possible way," he added regarding the controversy linked to his birthday party.

In that sense, he added: "It is about demonstrating being a hardworking person, who respects any environment in our society." After several days of media noise due to the celebration of his coming of age, Yamal is ready to carry out his second preseason with the Barça team.

Lamine Yamal faces his second preseason tour, the first as '10' of Barça

In 2023, Lamine traveled with the team wearing the '41' on his back. Barça played a couple of friendlies against Arsenal (5-3) and Real Madrid (3-0). Against the 'gunners', the winger only played 11 minutes, while against the 'merengues' he did not play.

In 2024, already settled in the first team, the Rocafonda native did not travel to the American tour due to his performance with Spain in the European Championship. Barça drew with City (2-2), defeated Madrid (2-1) and again drew against Milan (2-2) before returning to Catalonia.

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2025 Preseason: Confirmed dates and times for Barça's Asian tour

This year, Yamal will lead the Barça expedition to Asia wearing the '10'. The winger will debut his new shirt next Sunday against Vissel Kobe (12:00 p.m. CEST) in Japan. Afterwards, he will go to South Korea to face FC Seoul (August 31) and Daegu FC (August 3).

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