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Austria coach Ralf Rangnick makes huge claim about Lamine Yamal: ‘Could reach Messi’s level’

Story byBarca Universal
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick makes huge claim about Lamine Yamal: ‘Could reach Messi’s level’
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick makes huge claim about Lamine Yamal: ‘Could reach Messi’s level’
Barca UniversalMon, June 22, 2026 at 7:40 AM UTC·2 min read

Lamine Yamal’s impact at the World Cup continues to attract attention from across the football world, and the Barcelona teenager has now received praise that few young players ever hear.

Following Spain’s commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, Austria manager Ralf Rangnick singled out the 18-year-old as one of the game’s brightest emerging stars, even suggesting that he possesses the potential to reach levels associated with Lionel Messi.

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The comments came ahead of Austria’s clash against Argentina, with Rangnick discussing a possible future meeting with Spain in the knockout stages and explaining why Luis de la Fuente’s side are among the teams nobody wants to face.

Rangnick identifies Yamal as Spain’s standout talent

Spain have once again established themselves as one of the strongest teams at the World Cup, and Rangnick made no secret of his admiration for the European giants.

When discussing a possible encounter with La Roja later in the tournament, the Austrian coach admitted that Spain would be one of the most difficult opponents available.

Lamine Yamal scored the opening goal for Spain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

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“Spain is not an opponent anyone would want to face,” he began, as per Mundo Deportivo.

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