Champions League: ‘It’s exceptional’ – Vincent Kompany hails Barcelona for finding Messi’s replacement

Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany has hailed ‘exceptional’ Barcelona for finding Lionel Messi’s replacement in the person of Lamine Yamal.

Kompany spoke ahead of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday night at Camp Nou.

The Belgian believes the 17-year-old Spain international can follow in the footsteps of Messi, who is a Barcelona legend already.

Recall that Messi left the Catalan club in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Kompany has now praised Barca for having Yamal shortly after Messi left the Spanish La Liga giants.

“It’s exceptional for Barca as a club [to have Lamine Yamal] so shortly after the departure of a player like Messi,” Kompany said at his pre-match press conference.

“For my generation, Messi was one of the key figures of our era. To shortly after this player leaving already have potentially a player who can replace him is quite unique.”

Yamal has made 47 La Liga appearances since breaking through into the first team last season, aged 16, and has scored nine goals for the Blaugrana already.