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Lionel Messi praised Lamine Yamal, saying Yamal has had an “impressive” rise after the Barcelona teenager helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2024. The 17-year-old’s accomplishments at the club and national teams are getting a lot of attention around the football world.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi, who is considered one of the best players of all time, discussed Yamal’s incredible career path and composure at such a young age. He mentioned that Yamal is a European champion with Spain and is “only 17 and undergoing a growth process, and he’s going to keep on growing as a footballer and adding things to his game, just like I did.” Yamal became the youngest player to appear in a Euros or World Cup final earlier this summer, leading Spain to victory after becoming the tournament’s youngest scorer in the semi-finals against France. He had four assists and one goal in seven Euro 2024 appearances, and he was awarded Young Player of the Tournament the day after his 17th birthday. These accomplishments have been linked to Messi’s rise through the Barcelona ranks, but the Argentina legend urges patience and growth for the young star .
BIGGER PICTURE: YAMAL’S INCREDIBLE SEASON
Despite his youth, Yamal has established himself as an essential member for both Barcelona and Spain. He has featured in 24 of Barcelona’s 29 La Liga games in 2024/25, leading the league with 11 assists and scoring six goals. His 100 senior club and international appearances at the age of 17 are greater than Messi’s at the same age, and his 51 goals and assists combined are just three behind his legendary predecessor’s 53 from his first century of games. With Yamal at the centre of their play, the Catalan giants are thriving under Hansi Flick, with Europe’s highest-scoring offence this season and keeping a trophy treble. For Spain, Yamal’s effect has been crucial, with decisive moments on their way to the Euro 2024 championship, smashing age records along the way .
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YAMAL AND BARCELONA?
Yamal’s career is taking off, and the demand will only grow as Barcelona pursues La Liga glory and battles in the Champions League’s knockout stages. As the season approaches its conclusion, they will rely on his inventiveness and poise in important games. The attention on Yamal will only intensify, but Messi and former coaches have advised against drawing comparisons with icons in order to distract from his unique adventure. With Barcelona closing the gap on its competitors in the title battle and Spain’s next generation relying on his talent, the stage is set for Yamal to continue rewriting history books. Their next match will be an another test for both the club and the teenager, as the Catalans try to hold the pressure on the leaders and win valuable awards, while Yamal’s progress continues to pique attention across the world .
