Yamal: 'I cannot compare myself to Messi'

Lamine Yamal keeps thrilling Barcelona supporters with his high-level displays, yet the young talent of 18 years old states: “I cannot compare myself to Messi; he is a legend.”

The young talent Lamine Yamal is winning over fans with impressive form in Barcelona's colors, but he remains humbly grounded when compared to the legendary Lionel Messi. After a beautiful goal against Club Brugge in the Champions League, Yamal admitted he is still far from reaching the stature of the Argentine superstar.

In the 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Club Brugge, 18-year-old Yamal scored a spectacular goal following a one-touch combination with Fermín López, reminiscent of Messi’s magic while wearing the number 10 jersey. However, when asked about the comparison, the young player responded modestly:

“I cannot compare myself to Messi. He has scored thousands of goals like that. I am just trying to follow my own path and will strive to score many more.”

Born and raised in La Masia academy, Yamal shares many similarities with Messi: left-footed, plays as a right forward, and possesses incredible dribbling skills. Yet, he always emphasizes wanting to “write his own story” rather than living in the shadow of his predecessor:

“Messi is the greatest player in history, no doubt. I just want to play my own way and make people remember the name Lamine Yamal.”

Having just returned from injury while playing for Spain’s national team, Yamal quickly regained his form. He is a major hope in Barcelona’s quest to defend their La Liga title under Hansi Flick, amid a tight race with Real Madrid.

Former French star Emmanuel Petit even suggested that Yamal “has the potential to surpass Messi,” asserting that the young player “is playing as if he is already at the peak of his career.” Petit stated:

“Whenever Yamal touches the ball, something happens. He dribbles like in a video game, turning defenders into cones. If he keeps his hunger, Yamal can definitely outshine Messi.”

Lamine Yamal’s road ahead is still very long, but with his talent, courage, and humility, he is gradually proving himself not just as “Messi’s successor” but as Barcelona’s next great star.

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