Lamine Yamal sets the record straight on comparisons with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi

Lamine Yamal has taken the soccer world by surprise, putting together another outstanding season despite being just 17 years old. After making a massive impact and helping his team win titles in such a short span, Yamal has set the record straight regarding comparisons to FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Barcelona have been competing on all major fronts this season — winning the Copa del Rey, leading La Liga, and closing in on a spot in the UEFA Champions League final — with Yamal emerging as one of the team’s brightest stars. Ahead of the semifinal clash against Inter Milan, Yamal was asked about the constant comparisons to Messi and gave a candid response:

“I don’t compare myself to him or to anyone. I leave those things to the media. I only focus on improving every day. That comparison doesn’t make sense, especially with Messi, who is the greatest in history. I haven’t spoken with him,” Yamal said on Tuesday’s press conference.

Just as fans once looked to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to define an era, many now hope Yamal can carve out his own chapter in soccer history. When asked about this possibility, Yamal kept the focus on the team: “I hope it’s the Barcelona era, so it’ll be beneficial for all of us.”

Yamal has produced sensational numbers this season, tallying 48 appearances, 14 goals, and 24 assists — establishing himself as a major threat in Europe’s top competitions. With so much of his career ahead of him, if he continues to develop and stay fit, Yamal has the potential to become a true generational talent.

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Lamine Yamal set to break another Messi record

Yamal has already shattered several records — not only with Barcelona, but also internationally — including becoming the youngest player to score in El Clásico and the youngest ever to win the Golden Boy award. Now, during the 2024–25 season, he’s poised to outshine another milestone previously held by Messi.

With Barcelona’s match against Inter Milan on Wednesday, Lamine Yamal is set to become the youngest player in club history to reach 100 appearances, achieving the feat at just 17 years and 8 months old. By comparison, Messi reached 100 games for Barcelona in 2010 at the age of 20 years and 8 months — meaning Yamal will surpass the Argentine’s record by a full three years.

The young star reflected on the achievement during the press conference: “At my age, very few players have played so many matches for a club like Barca, and that’s what I value the most. Playing at this level and for a club like Barca isn’t something just anyone can do.”