Jordi Alba Names De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi as Barcelona’s Outstanding Players — Says Comparing Yamal to Messi Is Impossible

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba has highlighted three Barcelona stars who he believes stand out as the club’s brightest talents — Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi.

Speaking on El Larguero, the former Barcelona left-back reflected on his career and gave his honest assessment of the talent emerging at his old club. While he praised youngster Lamine Yamal for his immense ability and maturity, Alba firmly dismissed the growing comparisons between the 17-year-old and legendary forward Lionel Messi.

Alba said:
“I think he is an extremely excellent player. But there are other outstanding players too, like De Jong, Pedri, Gavi. However, comparing him to Messi? In my opinion, there is simply no comparison at all. Messi is one of a kind and unrivaled.”

Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga behind rivals Real Madrid after 12 matches, and their young talents continue to be central to their rebuild.

Opinion: Alba Is Right — Talent Can Be Exceptional, but There Will Never Be Another Messi

Jordi Alba’s comments reflect a truth football fans need to embrace: greatness doesn’t need replacements — it inspires new versions of excellence.

Lamine Yamal is a generational talent. At just 17, his confidence, flair, and decision-making already place him among Europe’s most exciting prospects. But the urge to compare every outstanding Barcelona youngster to Lionel Messi often does more harm than good.

Messi wasn’t just a great player — he was a phenomenon who changed football.
• A once-in-a-lifetime balance of skill, consistency, and longevity.
• A player who dominated every era he played in.
• Someone whose records aren’t just high… they’re astronomical.

Alba’s refusal to entertain the comparison is not criticism — it’s respect.
Respect for Yamal, who deserves the freedom to grow without carrying the weight of Messi’s shadow.
Respect for Messi, whose legacy is simply untouchable.

And highlighting De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi shows something important: Barcelona’s future is not resting on one prodigy. It’s built on a collective of extraordinary talent.

De Jong brings composure and intelligence.
Pedri delivers elegance and control.
Gavi adds fire, energy, and fearlessness.

Together with Yamal, they represent the new DNA of Barça — not copies of Messi, but the start of a new era with their own identity.

Barcelona fans should celebrate that—not force comparisons that no player can ever truly match.