-Ivan Rakitic Reflects on Barcelona, Greatness, and the Future of the ClubOn Whether Lamine Yamal Could Have Made the Starting XI During His Time at BarcelonaFormer FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy currently dazzling fans and pundits alike.
Speaking candidly, Rakitic was asked whether the young forward could have earned a spot in the first team during his own era at the club—a period that featured one of the most star-studded squads in football history.
“It would have been extremely difficult,” Rakitic admitted.
“Lamine would have had to compete with his idol, Neymar, who was in his prime and already one of the best players in the world. But it wasn’t just Neymar.
The entire team was full of legends—Messi, Suárez, Iniesta, Dani Alves, and many others.
To break into a starting eleven like that required something extraordinary.
“Yet despite the level of competition, Rakitic had high praise for the young star.
“Talent like Lamine’s always finds a way to stand out. He’s not just quick and skillful—he has intelligence, confidence, and maturity far beyond his years.
We would have absolutely loved to have had a player like him in the squad.
Players like that bring energy, new ideas, and often push the established stars to stay sharp.
He’s one of those rare talents who could have thrived even in that golden era.”
On Lionel Messi Being the Greatest Player He’s Ever SeenWhen asked about the greatest player he’s ever shared a pitch with, Rakitic didn’t hesitate in his response—Lionel Messi, without question.
“Messi is the greatest, not just of my time, but perhaps of all time,” Rakitic said firmly.
“Yes, I never got to see legends like Diego Maradona or Pelé play live, and I respect everything they accomplished.
But when it comes to sheer longevity, consistency, and the ability to change a game in an instant—Messi stands alone.
“Rakitic described Messi as someone who has redefined what it means to be a footballer.
“He started playing professionally as a teenager and for more than two decades, he has done the impossible—again and again.
His vision, touch, balance, and intelligence.
it’s almost supernatural. Watching him every day in training was a privilege.
“He fondly recalled moments from their training sessions: “When we played short-sided games, Luis Suárez would always shout: ‘Watch out—he’s left-footed!’ I’d joke back, ‘Well, then you defend him if you know so much!’ But it didn’t matter.
Leo would move right, switch to his left, and pull off something magical.
Whether in training or on the biggest stage, he always delivered. He was—and still is—unstoppable.”—On the Goalkeeper Debate: Joan Garcia vs.
Marc-André ter StegenRakitic also touched on the emerging debate at Barcelona surrounding the goalkeeper position, where promising young shot-stopper Joan Garcia is pushing for more minutes, while veteran Marc-André ter Stegen remains firmly in place as the club’s No. 1 and captain.
“That situation is going to be a real test for Hansi Flick,” Rakitic observed.
“Managing two highly motivated goalkeepers is never easy, especially when both are talented and hungry to play.
People often forget how competitive goalkeepers are—if you’re in training, you want to be in the starting XI, no matter your status.
“While acknowledging Garcia’s talent, Rakitic was clear about his stance.”
Joan Garcia is a fantastic young goalkeeper with a bright future. He’s sharp, agile, and clearly works hard.
But when you have someone like Marc in your squad—someone who has been at the top of his game for so long, who has lifted trophies and been a leader in the locker room—it’s very difficult to justify taking him out of the starting lineup.”
He continued, “Marc isn’t just a great goalkeeper—he’s a symbol of consistency and calm.
He’s the captain, he has the trust of his teammates, and he understands what it means to represent Barcelona.
If he’s fit and in form, he plays. That’s simple logic.
“Rakitic concluded with a note of faith in the club’s new head coach: “I’m sure Hansi Flick has a plan. He’s experienced and thoughtful, and he knows how to manage egos and expectations.
The challenge will be to maintain a healthy, competitive atmosphere without causing tension. If he can strike that balance, it will benefit the entire team.
In the end, it’s not just about individuals—it’s about the collective. That’s what wins titles.”
