---
title: "Palantir Is The 'Messi Of AI'—Until You Look At Databricks"
description: "Wedbush analyst Dan Ives has labeled Palantir Technologies as the 'Messi of AI,' highlighting its unique capabilities in data management. However, Databricks, with a $100 billion valuation and superio"
type: "news"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/254215594.md"
published_at: "2025-08-22T16:38:58.000Z"
---

# Palantir Is The 'Messi Of AI'—Until You Look At Databricks

> Wedbush analyst Dan Ives has labeled Palantir Technologies as the 'Messi of AI,' highlighting its unique capabilities in data management. However, Databricks, with a $100 billion valuation and superior growth metrics, is likened to Kylian Mbappé, suggesting it may outpace Palantir. Key comparisons show Databricks leading in customer count, revenue growth, and net revenue retention. While Palantir has a strong government presence, critics argue Databricks' SaaS model offers faster scalability. Investors face a choice between Palantir's established reputation and Databricks' rapid growth potential.

Wedbush analyst **Dan Ives** has dubbed **Palantir** **Technologies Inc** PLTR the "Messi of AI"—a generational playmaker in the data game, with elite vision and impossible-to-replicate instincts. But even **Lionel Messi**, widely hailed as the GOAT, can get outpaced by a younger phenom. Enter **Databricks**, the $100 billion private-market rocket that looks a lot like **Kylian Mbappé** sprinting past a tired back line.

-   Track PLTR stock here.

**Citron Research** put it bluntly: "Palantir is a $40 stock. This time, Databricks."

## Stats Don't Lie—Even In AI

On paper, Palantir and Databricks sell similar promises: turn sprawling enterprise data into decisions with AI on top. In the box score, Databricks has the edge:

-   **Customer count:** Palantir 849 vs. Databricks 15,000
-   **YoY revenue growth:** Palantir 45% vs. Databricks 50%
-   **Net revenue retention:** Palantir 128% vs. Databricks 140%+
-   **Future growth projection:** Palantir 25% vs. Databricks 50%
-   **Gross margin:** Palantir 81% vs. Databricks 82% (a wash)

**Read Also: Palantir Won Pentagon—Next Target: Fortune 500**

## The $40 Question

Palantir's bulls cite a government-grade moat and profitable scale. Critics counter that Databricks' broader enterprise penetration and true SaaS model make it structurally faster.

Citron's math is stark: grant Palantir the same $100 billion tag Databricks commands, and you land at $40 per share—the same figure that surfaced when benchmarking Palantir against OpenAI. Once is a coincidence; twice starts to look like a pattern.

## Messi Or Mbappé?

Ives' "Messi" metaphor still fits: Palantir is a magician in tight spaces, a proven winner with a cult following among CIOs and defense clients.

But Databricks has velocity—more logos, higher expansion, faster growth. For investors sculpting their personal ‘Mt. Rushmore of AI,’ the choice may be less about greatness than trajectory: the legend with field vision, or the sprinter rewriting the speed record.

-   **At $412 Billion, Palantir Is Valued Like It Invented Time Travel**

*Photo: Shutterstock*

### Related Stocks

- [PLTR.US - Palantir Tech](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/PLTR.US.md)

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> **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.