Barcelona’s latest recruit, Karim Adeyemi, shared his thoughts on whether Lamine Yamal could reach Lionel Messi’s level amid constant comparisons between the two La Masia graduates.

On Thursday, July 23, Barcelona confirmed the signing of Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract in a deal worth €29 million plus add-ons.

Yamal, 19, is widely considered Messi’s heir due to their similar playing styles. They both primarily operate on the right wing and are renowned for their dribbling and creativity.

After finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking, Yamal has emerged as a contender for the individual prize in 2026 after helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adeyemi, although he will bring versatility to Barcelona’s attack, is primarily a right winger. Asked how he sees the possibility of playing alongside Yamal, Adeyemi said:

During the same media appearance, Adeyemi mentioned Messi and Ronaldinho as his idols at Barcelona, although he noted “that there are many others”. Messi is arguably Barca's greatest-ever player, while Ronaldinho’s arrival ushered in a cultural rebirth at the Catalan club.

Adeyemi is Barca’s second signing of the summer after the club signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in May.

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