Javier Saviola Recalls First Messi Encounter at La Masia and Sends Warning Over Lamine Yamal Comparisons

Former Barcelona and Argentina forward Javier Saviola has revealed the moment he first realised Lionel Messi was destined for something extraordinary, while urging fans to avoid placing excessive expectations on Lamine Yamal.

Saviola, who enjoyed spells with River Plate, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Benfica, recently reflected on his career in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Among the most fascinating memories was his first glimpse of Messi during the Argentine's early days at La Masia.

Saviola Immediately Saw Something Special in Messi

Saviola joined Barcelona as a teenager and quickly found himself under the spotlight. However, he said he never allowed comparisons with other high-profile players to affect him.

The Argentine recalled that Zinedine Zidane also arrived in Europe around the same period, but he understood that comparing himself with one of football's greatest players would serve no purpose.

Instead, Saviola focused on adapting to Barcelona and proving himself on the pitch.

That mentality changed slightly when former Barça figure Carles Rexach encouraged him to watch a young Messi at La Masia.

Rexach reportedly told Saviola that the youngster was unlike the other academy players.

When Saviola eventually watched Messi, he immediately understood the hype.

“When I saw him, I immediately understood what he meant: he was doing things that the others weren’t, despite being very young.”

Saviola then went home and shared his prediction with his family.

“We’re in the hands of a child. If he carries on like this, this guy will go a long way.”

For Saviola, Messi's ability to stand out within Barcelona's enormous pool of young talent was already a significant indication of his potential.

“Rexach was right: Messi was one of those talents born with an extraordinary gift.”

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What Made Young Messi Different?

Saviola explained that Messi's qualities were obvious even before he established himself in Barcelona's first team.

He was particularly impressed by the teenager's acceleration, close control and determination to receive the ball, but it was Messi's understanding of the game that stood out most.

“When I saw Messi at La Masia, I witnessed something I’d never seen before: the pace of his play, his dribbling, the determination with which he demanded the ball, and his incredible intelligence.”

Those characteristics would eventually become defining features of Messi's legendary Barcelona career.

Saviola Warns Against Putting Messi Pressure on Yamal

With Yamal now emerging as Barcelona's latest teenage superstar, comparisons with Messi have become increasingly common.

Saviola, however, believes such comparisons should be handled carefully.

He acknowledged the enormous potential of the current Barça winger but stressed that Yamal is still at the beginning of his career.

“Yamal is still at the start of his career, and we shouldn’t put too much pressure on him, but he’s well on his way to becoming one of the best in the world.”

Saviola also emphasised that the two players have different characteristics and that Messi's achievements make direct comparisons particularly difficult.

“They are different players, so let’s avoid comparisons. Messi has already made his mark on history, whilst Lamine still has his whole future ahead of him.”

Rather than predicting exactly how far Yamal can go, Saviola believes the teenager should be allowed the time and freedom to develop naturally.

“We cannot know how far he will go, but he could be a key player for many years to come.”

Ronaldinho Brought Joy to Barcelona

Saviola also looked back fondly on his time alongside Ronaldinho at Barcelona.

The Argentine described the Brazilian as someone whose personality was almost impossible to separate from his football.

“Ronaldinho was pure joy on the football pitch.”

According to Saviola, Ronaldinho arrived at training with the same infectious smile that he had when he left, creating a positive atmosphere around him.

He also admired the Brazilian's approach to football, saying Ronaldinho treated training sessions with the same enthusiasm and intensity as competitive matches.

That attitude, Saviola explained, influenced everyone around him.

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Saviola's memories offer a fascinating perspective on two different eras of Barcelona talent: the emergence of Messi as a once-in-a-generation phenomenon and Yamal's current rise as one of football's most exciting young players. While the former Barça forward sees enormous potential in Yamal, his message is clear — his career should be allowed to develop without the weight of Messi comparisons.