{
  "id": 9936718,
  "title": "Javier Saviola recalls seeing Lionel Messi at La Masia and warns over Yamal comparisons: ‘We’re in the hands of a child’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/javier-saviola-recalls-seeing-lionel-messi-at-la-masia-and-warns-over",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T07:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/javier-saviola-recalls-seeing-lionel-072500774.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Javier Saviola, a former Argentina international, has shared his memories of Lionel Messi's early days at Barcelona. Saviola, who played for River Plate, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Benfica, revealed how he recognized Messi's extraordinary talent while also urging caution against comparing him to Lamine Yamal. Saviola, who moved to Barcelona when he was 19, admitted he quickly adapted to European football without feeling pressure. He also mentioned Carles Rexach's advice to watch young Messi at La Masia, and upon seeing him, Saviola declared, \"We're in the hands of a child. If he carries on like this, this guy will go a long way.\" Saviola praised Messi's speed, dribbling, and football intelligence, emphasizing how exceptional he was at such a young age. He also addressed Yamal's rise, urging fans not to put too much pressure on the young player, while acknowledging he could become one of the best in the world.",
  "summary": "Javier Saviola has offered a fascinating glimpse into Lionel Messi’s earliest days at Barcelona, recalling how he recognised the Argentine’s extraordinary ability while also urging caution over co...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}