Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic knows better than most what it’s like to share a pitch with football’s biggest icons. And in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the Croatian midfielder says rising sensation Lamine Yamal must carve out his own journey despite the extraordinary start to his young career.

Rakitic, who spent six seasons at the Camp Nou, was part of the legendary ‘MSN’ era, supplying passes to Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar – a frontline he still describes as “unique.” Now, watching Lamine Yamal’s rapid rise, he sees a new star emerging, but warns that talent alone isn’t everything.

Reflecting on the 17-year-old’s development, Rakitic said:
“Lamine is an incredible player, and I’m proud of the way he’s progressing and growing. Everything is moving in the right direction, but he’s already realising that football has its downsides – injuries, pressure, expectations. He has to follow his own path; I wouldn’t compare him to the three players I mentioned.”

He continued:
“Barcelona and Spain have something special in him. We all need to help him learn how to deal with the pressure because he is truly a special player.”

Having played alongside some of football’s rarest talents, Rakitic never took those experiences for granted. Speaking about the ‘MSN’ trio, he added:

“Playing with them was incredible. It was a unique time, something the whole world could enjoy. I think it’s one of the best things that ever happened to football. And for me, it was a pleasure not just to play with them, but to train with them every day.”

Rakitic’s career at international level also brought him close to greatness. He formed part of Croatia’s 2018 World Cup squad that reached the final, and shared a midfield with Luka Modric — who went on to win the Ballon d’Or that same year and continues to shine for AC Milan.

Rakitic spoke warmly about his long-time teammate:
“I have a special relationship with Luka. We both joined the national team when we were young, and he’s still going. He’s an incredible person and player. It doesn’t matter who you support — Real Madrid, Milan, Croatia — you have to admire him. Milan still doesn’t fully realise how lucky they are to have brought him in. He’s amazing at his age, and I think he can play for several more years.”

He laughed when asked for a behind-the-scenes story:
“There are plenty of anecdotes, many great moments… but the ones that aren’t well-known need to stay between Luka and me.”

Another influential figure in Rakitic’s career was Luis Enrique. Under the Spanish coach, Barcelona won the treble in his first season, including the Champions League — memories Rakitic still cherishes.

“I could talk about Luis Enrique for hours,” he said.
“Working with him for three years was a joy. He’s meticulous and thorough, and that’s why he achieves what he does. His success with PSG doesn’t surprise me at all — there’s still much more to come from him. He’s positively crazy about football and players follow him.”

After spells at Sevilla, Al Shabab, and finally Hajduk Split, Rakitic’s time in Andalusia remains among his most celebrated. Having been signed by Barcelona from Sevilla and later returning, he remains adored in Seville for his contribution to their European success.

Even though the club has struggled recently, Rakitic remains optimistic:

“I know it’s not easy with the current situation, but I see them moving in the right direction. We all need to push and help Sevilla get back into European competitions. I really like the new manager’s intensity and the energy he gives the players. You can feel that connection, and I hope he brings great success and better results.”