Messi is someone I look up to, but I don’t measure myself against him – Yamal.
Yamal: I’m Focused on Being Myself, Not on Messi Comparisons
Barcelona rising star Lamine Yamal says he’s focused on carving out his own path rather than drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi, as the Catalan club prepares for their Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old winger has quickly become a vital presence on the right flank—the same position once dominated by Messi, Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. Like Messi, Yamal is a product of the club’s famed La Masia academy.
Barcelona last reached the Champions League final in 2015, with Messi leading the attack. Now, Yamal hopes to help guide the team back to that stage.
“I don’t compare myself to him—or to anyone, really—and certainly not to Messi,” Yamal told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re focused on getting better every day and improving as a team. Comparisons don’t make sense, especially not with someone like Messi. I just want to enjoy myself and be who I am.”
Yamal made clear his admiration for the Argentine legend, calling him the greatest of all time: “I obviously admire him—as the best player in history—but I don’t compare myself to him.”
If selected on Wednesday, Yamal will mark his 100th appearance for Barcelona across all competitions. He comes into the match in fine form, having assisted twice in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid, keeping the team on course for a possible quadruple.
“I’m really excited—it’s my first Champions League semi-final, and for many of my teammates as well,” Yamal added. “I’m not nervous. We’re ready.”
