Lamine Yamal rejects Messi comparisons: 'I want to be remembered as a person and a player

‎Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has addressed the growing comparisons between himself and Lionel Messi with humility and maturity well beyond his 17 years. Speaking ahead of his 100th appearance for the club, the teenager made it clear that while he deeply admires the Argentine icon, his primary goal is to carve out his own identity—both on and off the pitch.

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‎'Lionel Messi', 'Lamine Yamal.'

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‎Yamal’s response comes after Messi, in an interview with Simplemente Futbol, described the Spanish prodigy as “one of the best players in the world.” While such praise would overwhelm most players his age, Yamal remained grounded.

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‎“I don’t compare myself with anyone, same with Messi,” said Yamal during Tuesday’s press briefing. “I admire Leo—he’s the best in history. But I just focus on improving. Comparing myself with others doesn’t make sense.”

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‎The Euro 2024 winner went on to explain his unique mindset. “As a footballer, I want to be remembered as a player and as a person,” he said. “I want to be polite—that’s what my parents taught me at home.”

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‎Despite his age, Yamal has already become a crucial figure in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. His performance this season has been exceptional, with 24 assists in all competitions—more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues. As Barcelona prepares to host Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, Yamal will reach a century of official matches for the Catalan club. Remarkably, he has done so at an even younger age than Messi’s own debut milestone.

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‎“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barça,” Yamal noted. “What I value is having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17.”

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‎When asked about pressure, Yamal revealed an unshakable composure. “I don’t feel fear,” he said. “I left that behind in the park in Mataró a long time ago. I just go out and enjoy myself. In football, there’s no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. It’s all about quality and mentality.”

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‎Yamal’s comments reflect not only his immense talent but also his strong character—rooted in family values and focused on long-term legacy. While the Messi parallels may be inevitable, the young winger seems determined to write his own story—on his own terms.

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‎Barcelona fans, and indeed the footballing world, will watch with anticipation as he takes another step into history at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.