Barcelona's young sensation Lamine Yamal has declared Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history following the Catalan club's LaLiga title triumph on Thursday.

The Spanish winger made the statement after playing a crucial role in Barcelona's 2-0 victory against local rivals Espanyol, which secured the 2024/25 LaLiga championship ahead of Real Madrid.

Yamal, who scored one of the goals alongside Fermin Lopez in the title-clinching match, was quick to dismiss any comparisons between himself and the Argentine legend.

"I'd never compare me with Messi... Leo is the best player ever," Yamal was quoted as saying after the game, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Messi, now 37 and playing for Inter Miami, spent 21 illustrious seasons at Barcelona before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. During his time at Camp Nou, the Argentine forward amassed an unprecedented 34 trophies, including ten LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Yamal has been drawing attention for his exceptional performances this season, with many observers noting similarities in playing style to a young Messi. However, the Spanish international has maintained a humble perspective despite his rising prominence in world football.

Barcelona's latest league triumph marks a successful first season under manager Hansi Flick, who has integrated young talents like Yamal and Lopez into the team while maintaining the club's competitive edge in Spanish football.