Evra says to Lamine Yamal: “Ask Ronaldo or Messi about me, I’d eat you alive.”

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has claimed that, in his prime, he would have been able to defeat young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal on the pitch.

Evra suggested that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would agree with his assessment of his own abilities.

The 45‑year‑old played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford before the Portuguese star moved to Real Madrid in 2009, and he also faced Messi on several occasions during his time with the Red Devils.

Reflecting on his peak years, Evra said he would have outmatched Yamal in a direct confrontation.

He added that he would “eat Yamal alive” if they had competed during his best days on the field.

Evra also noted that players who have seen him in action understand how formidable he was throughout his career.

The former France international told ESPN UK, “Evra on his prime against Yamal, I would eat him alive. I’m sorry, Lamine. I love you… But ask Cristiano, ask Messi, ask other players when they faced me, I am not a good friend.”

Yamal has proven his critics wrong in recent matches. During the 2024 European Championship, Adrien Rabiot confronted Yamal before the semi‑final between France and Spain.

Yamal responded with a stunning goal that many called the best of the tournament, and he appeared to take a jab at Rabiot after the match.