Barcelona’s prodigious winger, Lamine Yamal, has downplayed comparisons with club legend Lionel Messi as the Catalan side prepares to face Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old, who has emerged as a pivotal figure under manager Hansi Flick, expressed his desire to forge his own path rather than emulate the Argentine icon.
Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal embodies a rich African heritage that contributes to his unique identity on and off the pitch.
In a press conference ahead of the crucial fixture, he addressed the frequent comparisons to Messi, stating:
“I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone and let alone Messi. I would leave it at that.
“We only think about improving every day, comparisons make no sense and let alone with Messi: I admire him, because he is the best player in history. But without making comparisons.
“I believe that in football there is no age, it is a sport that evaluates the quality of each person. It is important to be ready, trained: there is no question of age. We demonstrate it: we are young and we play at a high level.”
Yamal, who is on the cusp of making his 100th appearance for Barcelona, has been instrumental in the team’s pursuit of a treble this season, following their recent Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid.
His performances have not only solidified his place in the starting lineup but have also drawn attention to his maturity and composure beyond his years.
When asked about how he wishes to be remembered, Yamal emphasized the importance of character alongside talent:
“I would like them to say that I am a good player and a respectful and respected person. The most important thing is education, as my players taught me at home.”
Barcelona will host Inter Milan at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
