CORNERFLICK
Luis Suarez has told fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, saying the two left-footed players are not the same despite sharing similar qualities.
The Inter Miami striker said it is wrong to measure Yamal against Messi and pointed to the Argentina captain’s record at the same age as proof of how high the bar was set. He said he hopes Yamal can at least reach that level one day.
Suarez also described Yamal’s growing influence for Spain, saying team-mates quickly looked for him after he came off the bench in a match against Cape Verde. He said the youngster drew more attention from defenders and changed the way the team attacked.
On Messi, Suarez said the 38-year-old’s longevity comes from mentality as much as talent. He praised the way Messi kept going after missing a penalty and went on to score twice, adding that many people had assumed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was past his best.
Suarez dismissed suggestions that he and Messi have become more relaxed at Inter Miami, saying both still train and compete with the same edge they have always shown.