While Lamine Yamal is just 17 at the moment, the youngster’s performances earned him a lot of fans and praise. One of the biggest praise is getting compared with Lionel Messi, who also thrived at a very young age for the Catalan giants and is considered one of the best footballers of all time. In a recent interview on Spanish TV station Antena 3, Lamine Yamal responded to the comparisons. He said, "I like that they compare me to the greatest player in the history of football, but I want to be myself. Reaching Messi's level is impossible." Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal Finalissima 2025 at Renovated Camp Nou? Barcelona FC Bids to Host Argentina vs Spain Mega Football Match: Reports.

Reasons Lamine Yamal is Compared With Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona’s youth academy – La Masia has produced many of the finest football stars who thrived for the club and country. But the brightest one of them all would probably be Lionel Messi. After his departure from the club back in 2021, fans were looking for some new star to guide them like the Argentine did for Barca for so many years. Out comes a new prodigy from La Masia – Lamine Yamal who made his debut at the age of 15 in April 2023 and burst into the limelight with his eye-catching performances and dribbles last season. He dazzled for the Spain National Football Team, helping the side in their impressive UEFA Euro 2024 title-winning run, The star quickly became a key player for the Catalan giants and the Spanish side too. Lionel Messi’s Return Prolonged? Inter Miami Star Misses Training Due to Illness Ahead of MLS 2024 Clash Against Philadelphia.

All these mentioned lines were expressed and said for Lionel Messi when he started his career back in 2003. The star went on to become the club and national icon with his quality of play and delivered results. While both stars started their career at young ages, played in the same position, and possess fairly similar qualities (in dribbling and passing as of now) the comparisons were bound to happen between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

While it is just a start for young Yamal and he has a lot to prove yet - he started his career nicely just like Lionel Messi. The 2024 Euro Cup winner has the potential to go closer to the Argentine’s mammoth accolades, achievements, and records.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 13, 2024 05:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).