Lamine Yamal stated that it might be inconceivable to achieve Lionel Messi’s degree 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 Event, Aim of the Event and was additionally named within the Staff of the Event.
The teenage sensation additionally laid on 4 assists in seven appearances over the summer season and has made an honest begin to the 2024-25 season as one in every of Barcelona’s predominant males.
In 4 LaLiga appearances, he has scored as soon as and provided 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 targets for the membership throughout 17 seasons, successful 34 trophies, whereas he got here to be broadly thought-about 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 isn’t 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 instructed Spanish TV station Antena 3.
“Reaching Messi’s degree is inconceivable.”
Regardless of Yamal’s comprehensible suggestion that he will likely 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Considerably bizarrely, he was pictured as a six-month outdated child with Messi in a charity calendar in 2007, with images having since gone viral.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 gained 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 capability by way of Messi.
“He handed alongside a few of his powers to me. I nonetheless have so much to offer,” stated Yamal.
Regardless of being simply 17 years outdated, Yamal has already performed 55 instances for Barcelona and, having made such an impression on world soccer over summer season, 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 depart Barca,” stated Yamal.
“I hope to by no means have to depart. I wish to be a legend.”
