Lamine Yamal: Barcelona's next big star on ignoring Lionel Messi pressure

Lamine Yamal has explained why he would continue to dismiss Lionel Messi comparisons, despite every "left-footed winger" being compared to the Barcelona legend.

Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi.

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It's easy to understand why adolescent star Yamal will be part of that conversation in 2025. At the age of 17, he has already won the European Championship with Spain and received the renowned Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy accolades.

Since making his senior debut at the age of 15, the kid has continued to break records. He left the same La Masia academy system that helped put Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and the most decorated player of all time, on the path to glory.

Yamal is, however, hesitant to be compared to Argentine hero Messi. He told Mundo Deportivo: "Fortunately, this is not the first time something has happened to me. That implies it's something that people feel every time they see a left-footed winger, or even just when one is left-footed.

"I strive to be myself. I usually say that Messi is the greatest player in history, and that being compared to him implies you're doing things well, but I strive to be me. I aim to make my way and offer my all for this shirt."

While Yamal is keen to avoid comparisons to Messi, he maintains that becoming a superstar of any type is not part of his long-term plans. He went on to say, "I'm comfortable, which is the most important thing. Whether we're talking about stars or not, the final goal is to play and demonstrate who you are.

"You do not have to feel like a celebrity, superior or inferior. It is not essential. The most essential thing is to feel at ease, to play for the team, and to have your teammates support you. That is enough."

Yamal has made 83 competitive appearances for Barcelona, scoring 18 goals in the process, and has helped the Blaugrana recapture first place in La Liga while also reaching the Champions League's final 16 without the necessity for a knockout phase play-off encounter.