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Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s rising star, said he does not compare himself to anyone, including club legend Lionel Messi, even if many people do. The 17-year-old Yamal acknowledged he admires Lionel Messi, calling the Argentine “the best in history,” but he doesn’t think about drawing similar career paths to his favorite player. “I don’t compare myself with anyone, same with Messi,” Yamal said Tuesday.
“I’ve always said that I admire Leo. He’s the best in history. I don’t compare myself with anyone. I just focus on improving. Comparing myself with other players doesn’t make any sense.”
WHAT HAPPENED?
In a pre-match press conference before Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan, while Yamal addressed comparisons with Messi, he also expressed his respect for the top Inter players—especially striker Lautaro Martínez, who he hopes to exchange shirts with at the end of the match—although he insisted he should still focus on his own performance and development. “I’d say Lautaro,” Yamal said when asked if there’s one player he thinks can make the difference for Inter. “But I don’t like to much talking about (our opponents). The truth is I worry about my team.”
BARCELONA’S SEASON AND YAMAL’S IMPACT
Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona’s strong 2024-25 campaign. The club currently leads La Liga with Yamal posting more assists than any other player in the league—10 this season. Yamal recently reached his 100th professional appearance, recording 51 goal contributions, a tally nearly matching Messi’s at the same stage of his career. Yamal, who has also scored eight goals in 15 appearances for Spain, closed the year 2024 with two major recognitions. He won both the Kopa Trophy and the European Golden Boy award, fueling expectations of a bright future and inevitable comparisons with greats like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YAMAL AND BARÇA?
Barcelona prepares to host Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg, aiming to secure a return to the final for the first time since winning the competition eight years ago. Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga is narrow, with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid close behind, making every fixture crucial for the race. After Inter, Barça faces Villarreal in La Liga, needing a win to maintain distance from immediate rivals. As Barcelona chases both domestic and European glory, Yamal’s continued form will be vital for their trophy ambitions.
