The level I’m at at 17, not everyone can do that - Barcelona’s Yamal addresses Messi comparisons

Lamine Yamal may only be 17, but the Barcelona sensation is already standing tall on the biggest stage of European football.

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Ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League semifinal clash with Inter, the teenage star addressed the growing buzz surrounding him, including the inevitable comparisons to Lionel Messi.

As Barcelona prepares to face Inter in the first leg of a much-anticipated Champions League semifinal, Lamine Yamal joined coach Hansi Flick at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

Naturally, all eyes were on the teenager who has quickly become one of Europe’s most talked-about young stars.

But when asked about comparisons to club legend Lionel Messi, Yamal immediately drew the line, saying, “I won’t compare myself with him or anyone else. I leave these things to the press. I only think about improving every day,

The teenager then doubled down, adding, “This comparison thing makes no sense, furthermore with Messi, who is the best in history.”

Yamal may be making his debut in a Champions League semifinal, but if there are nerves, he isn’t showing them.

Speaking ahead of the match, the Euro 2024 winner said, “I haven’t had that fear, but I do have the motivation before the game, I left that fear behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago.

“I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out and enjoy myself. In football, there is no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. I value having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17, because not everyone can do that.

It’s a bold statement, but one backed by the numbers. Yamal has already racked up an impressive number of appearances in a Barcelona shirt, and this season has contributed 14 goals and 20 assists, making him one of the most important pieces of Hansi Flick’s side.