The 18 year-old is an outside chance for the Ballon d'Or this year.
And Deco told Lance!: "Comparisons with Messi? Lamine has a unique talent. He has that special talent, that natural talent. There was Ronaldo, there was Messi. He has that kind of player who captivates, who enchants.
"Lamine has that something that impresses. You go out on the pitch and you want to see him. So, I think he has that aura, yes. I think he's a player who can define an era."
Deco was also asked about Robert Lewandowski's situation, with his contract running down this season.
He said, "I think it was important and still is for us. I also think that, given his age and his career, he'll take it year after year. I think there comes a certain point in a career where we don't make many long-term plans.
"I think he's focused on this year. We are too, and we'll see. As I said, he's a player who depends much more on his willpower, on how he feels, on how he sees things. And we'll see how he progresses throughout the year. And we'll talk about it."