Xavi compares record-breaking Yamal to Messi

Barcelona coach Xavi has compared Lamine Yamal to seven-time Ballon d'Or Lionel Messi after the 15-year-old made a record-breaking debut for the La Liga leaders in Saturday's 4-0 win over Real Betis.

Barca got on the scoresheet through Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and an own goal from Guido Rodriguez to maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Yamal is of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent and has represented Spain at every level since under 15 and made his appearance in the Betis drubbing late on and could even have scored but for a save from Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.

In doing so, Yamal made history by becoming the youngest to ever play for Barcelona breaking the record previously held by teammate Gavi and Xavi has tipped the forward for great things. The Barca boss likened Yamal's quality in the final third to Messi.

"I told him to try things and he did," he said. "At 15 years old, just imagine it... He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but Rui Silva saved," said Xavi.

"He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good.

"He's a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find.

"Lamine doesn't seem like a 15-year-old, he's very mature. He's ready [to play] and he is training well. He can mark an era at this club as part of this team."