Thierry Henry put forward player who no-one else has mentioned in debate over who could rival Lamine Yamal

Thierry Henry put forward a player that no-one has mentioned when debating on who could rival Lamine Yamal in years to come.

Yamal shone as Barcelona drew 3-3 with Inter Milan in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.

His performance stunned Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who left a four-word social media comment.

Rio Ferdinand also praised Yamal as he made a bold claim about the 17-year-old sensation.

After the game, he spoke to CBS Sports, where he made a promise to Henry.

Following their conversation, the Arsenal legend waxed lyrical about the Barca phenom and mentioned a player who could rival Yamal in the future.

He name dropped Franco Mastantuono, who is making a name for himself in Argentina with River Plate.

On CBS Sports, Henry said: "One thing that always amazes me in football is you always think that there's no way that someone is going to be better [than Messi or Ronaldo]. And then Yamal arrives, and then you have a new guy in Argentina, [Franco] Mastantuono that plays for River Plate, already winning that derby game on the free kick against Boca Juniors."

He added: "That's why football is amazing. There is a guy that soon, maybe in two to three years, that we're going to talk about that's not already on the scene, but it's crazy to think that a guy - he's 17 years old.

"[At] 17 years old, I made my debut, I think. It's just crazy what he's doing. It's just not normal, but look, it's great to see that there's a new guy coming, a new guy on the block that looks like he might be dominating, and I wish that for him. Let's not put him under pressure and say he should be on the throne or whatever."

Mastantuono, also 17, is attracting plenty of interest, with Real Madrid thought to be keeping tabs on him. If the budding Argentine star signed for Real, then he could create a rivalry with Yamal similar to Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.

“That was like watching Messi.”

Thierry Henry, @Carra23, and @MicahRichards break down Lamine Yamal’s incredible form after his 100th appearance with Barcelona 🌟 pic.twitter.com/esMETvUfLG

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 30, 2025

Ferdinand also touched on potential rivals for Yamal as he referenced Paris Saint-Germain Desire Doue, who has impressed in his side's Champions League campaign this season.

He said: "Online there's been a big debate about young players, young wingers... and they're talking about Lamine Yamal being the best. But some other people online are going 'listen we're in Paris by the way are you seeing the young kid Desire Doue'... who I think is a magical player as well. I just think they are a bit different in the way they play the game, and I think Doue is a bit freer, he roams. Doue is behind him."

Mastantuono and Doue are among the names who could rival Yamal in what looks to be an exciting future for world football.