Home » Lamine Yamal: “I don’t compare myself to Messi”

Lamine Yamal: “I don’t compare myself to Messi”

Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal said he is focused on his own journey and not on comparisons to Lionel Messi.

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Yamal does not compare himself to Messi

At just 17, Yamal has become a key figure on the right wing — the same position where Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, Lionel Messi, dazzled for many years.

Speaking ahead of Barca’s Champions League semifinal clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday, Yamal said he prefers to focus on his own game, despite ongoing comparisons to Messi.

“I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone — and much less with Messi,” Yamal told reporters Tuesday.

“We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”

“So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less — I’m going to enjoy myself, and be myself.”

Yamal said he thought the Inter Miami forward was the greatest player of all time.

“I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him,” he reiterated.

Yamal has no fear

Yamal, who made his first-team debut on April 2023, will make his 100th Barca appearance across all competitions.

The Spain international has 14 goals and 24 assists this season to keep Barca in the hunt for the treble.

Barcelona last reached the Champions League final in 2015, with Messi leading their attack.

Yamal said he’s not afraid of anyone when he steps onto the pitch to face his opponents.

“I don’t have any fear, but I do feel that motivation and get those butterflies in my stomach before a game,” he said.

“I think that’s a good thing. As for any fear, I left that behind in the park in Mataro [where he grew up] a long time ago.”