Suzy Cortez, the Brazilian model famous for her intimate Lionel Messi tattoo, has made a massive statement about Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. She reckons the 17-year-old is already better than Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe combined. That's quite the claim, right?
Cortez believes Yamal's influence on football is already massive and signals the start of something special at Barcelona. The fact that Barca handed him the iconic number 10 shirt while he's still a teenager tells you everything you need to know about how highly they rate him.
Speaking to the media, Cortez didn't hold back. "Barcelona is living the beginning of a new era," she said. "The number 10 shirt, which has always been a historic symbol of the club, is in great hands. Lamine Yamal is already bigger than Vinícius Jr. and Mbappe combined."
She also mentioned that Marcus Rashford's addition to the squad has made Barcelona's attack even more dangerous. The combination of Yamal's raw talent and Rashford's experience could be lethal for opposition defenses.
Following in legendary footsteps
The Barcelona number 10 jersey has quite the history. Maradona wore it. Ronaldinho made magic in it. And of course, Messi turned it into the most famous shirt in football.
Cortez pointed out that each of these legends defined different eras at the club. "What we are seeing now is continuity, not replacement," she explained. "Players like Lamine Yamal symbolise the future, while Marcus Rashford brings maturity, leadership, and immediate impact."
Barcelona handed Yamal the number 10 at the start of this season after he signed a new contract. Ansu Fati had the jersey after Messi's departure, but unfortunately couldn't live up to the massive expectations that come with it.
Even Messi sees himself in Yamal
Lionel Messi himself has weighed in on the Yamal hype. Speaking at an Adidas event in 2024, the Argentine legend admitted the Barcelona teenager reminded him of his younger self.
"If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I've heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it's him] for me, too," Messi said. When the GOAT gives you that kind of endorsement, you know you're doing something right.
Messi was careful to note that Yamal's future depends on many things, as football can be unpredictable. But he's confident the Spanish youngster has what it takes to reach the very top.
For what it's worth, Yamal himself has downplayed comparisons to Messi. He's said he wants to carve out his own path and not be constantly measured against the legend. That kind of maturity at his age is impressive and suggests he's got his head screwed on right.
For punters watching Barcelona this season, Yamal's development is definitely worth monitoring. If he continues on this trajectory, backing Barca in the big games could pay dividends.
