Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has described Lamine Yamal as the standout player among football’s new generation of stars.

Yamal, who now wears Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey, is widely seen as a potential successor to Messi and a future world best player.

Speaking at a recent event, Messi praised the teenage winger’s talent, achievements and future potential.

“There is a new wave of footballers who are exceptionally talented and have many years ahead of them, but if I must select one based on age, his accomplishments thus far, and the potential he holds for the future, it is Lamine. Without a doubt, he is the best in my opinion,” Messi said, according to Sport.

At just 18, Yamal finished second behind Ousmane Dembele in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings and is expected to be among the leading contenders again this year.

The youngster is also on course to win his third La Liga title with Barcelona before representing Spain at the World Cup.

“Among the new generation of players, I believe Lamine Yamal is the one who most closely resembles me when I first began,” Messi added.