Lamine Yamal stated that it will be unimaginable to achieve Lionel Messi’s stage throughout his profession, regardless of having been by way of an unbelievable breakout season.
The 17-year-old made 37 league appearances for Barcelona final season and was thrust additional into the general public eye as he helped Spain win Euro 2024 in Germany.
Yamal, who was 16 for a lot of the event having celebrated his birthday earlier than the ultimate, swept the boards on the competitors, successful Younger Participant of the Match, Objective of the Match and was additionally named within the Staff of the Match.
The teenage sensation additionally laid on 4 assists in seven appearances over the summer time and has made a good begin to the 2024-25 season as considered one of Barcelona’s predominant males.
In 4 LaLiga appearances, he has scored as soon as and equipped 4 assists, together with his 11 probabilities created a complete solely bettered by team-mate Raphinha (12) and Vinicius Junior (15) within the division.
Such kind and media consideration has led to inevitable comparisons with footballing legend Messi, who made his aggressive debut for Barcelona at 17.
The Argentine went on to attain over 600 objectives for the membership throughout 17 seasons, successful 34 trophies, whereas he got here to be broadly thought of as one of many best footballers of all time.
However Yamal has been fast to reject the comparability between himself and his Argentinian predecessor, claiming that though he enjoys the comparisons, it’s not potential to achieve the requirements he set.
“I like that they in contrast me to the best participant within the historical past of soccer, however I wish to be myself,” Yamal informed Spanish TV station Antena 3.
“Reaching Messi’s stage is unimaginable.”
Regardless of Yamal’s comprehensible suggestion that he shall be unable to achieve the identical heights as Messi, the winger nonetheless confirmed his self-confidence within the interview.
Considerably bizarrely, he was pictured as a six-month previous child with Messi in a charity calendar in 2007, with images having since gone viral.
Lamine Yamal: “The picture with Messi after I was a child? I didn’t bear in mind. My mother received a raffle for a calendar and Leo was in it.” pic.twitter.com/Vl1O5L55m5
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) September 12, 2024
Talking concerning the expertise, {the teenager} joked that he was capable of decide up a few of his footballing capacity by way of Messi.
“He handed alongside a few of his powers to me. I nonetheless have so much to provide,” stated Yamal.
Regardless of being simply 17 years previous, Yamal has already performed 55 instances for Barcelona and, having made such an impression on world soccer over summer time, curiosity from different golf equipment is an inevitability.
Yamal’s contract with Barcelona runs till 2026, with a reported launch clause of £1bn, whereas sporting director Deco is eager to resume it when he turns 18.
However the teenager has made clear that he has no need to depart the Catalan giants, wanting to stay with them for the remainder of his profession.
“I don’t need these €120m [bids] as a result of then I must go away Barca,” stated Yamal.
“I hope to by no means have to depart. I wish to be a legend.”
