Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal says he does not want to be compared with anyone — “even less with Lionel Messi”.
Yamal, 17, has drawn comparisons to the Argentine superstar as a fellow graduate from Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy and as a left-footed forward to burst onto the scene as a teenager.
Yamal was speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter — exactly two years after he made his first-team debut for the club at the age of 15 years, nine months and 16 days. Messi, meanwhile, made his competitive Barcelona debut at the age of 17 years, three months and 22 days old in October 2004.
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“I don’t compare myself with him,” Yamal told reporters when asked about Messi. “I don’t want to compare me with anyone, and even less with Messi. That’s something I leave to you.
“In the end, I only try to be better than yesterday. I admire Messi a lot, so I don’t want to compare myself with the best player in football’s history. I still haven’t spoken with him in person.”
The Athletic previously reported that Adidas used a video of Messi to attract Yamal to sign with the sportswear brand in February 2024. Yamal was also pictured with Messi as a baby as part of a charity photoshoot in December 2007.
Yamal and Barcelona come into Wednesday’s Champions League game after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, their third victory over their rivals this season.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Yamal said: “This year, they simply can’t beat us. We’ve proven that. I’m really happy. Visca Barca.”
Asked about appearing too cocky on Tuesday, Yamal replied: “Well, while I keep winning they can’t say much. “When they beat me, they will be able to.
If Yamal features against Inter, it will be his 100th appearance for the club.
“I think that very few players have had this number of games in a club like Barca at my age,” he added. “I think having the consistency I’m showing now … not everyone can do it. This is what I value the most.”
Yamal has scored 14 goals and provided 24 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona this season, who hold a four-point lead at the top of La Liga over Madrid with five matches remaining.
The Spaniard won the Kopa Trophy, awarded by France Football to the best player in the world under the age of 21, in 2024. He also won the 2024 European Championship with Spain, registering the most assists (four) at the competition and being named in the team of the tournament.
(Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP via Getty Images)
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