Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal May Prove Pivotal in Semi-Final Clash with Inter Milan

It has been ten years since Barcelona last graced the Champions League final, a journey led by their legendary star, Lionel Messi.

Today, the Catalan club is pinning its hopes on another exceptional talent, Lamine Yamal, who is poised to be their game-changing asset as they prepare to face Inter Milan on Wednesday in the first leg of the semi-finals.

During his peak in 2015, Messi showcased his brilliance by netting two spectacular goals in the first leg of the semi-finals against Bayern Munich, paving the way for a memorable treble. While Yamal, aged just 17, is still developing his finishing skills, he is central to Barcelona’s aspirations for success this season.

This promising teenager, a left-footer operating on the right wing with the freedom to roam, reminiscent of Messi’s playing style over the years, provides Hansi Flick’s talented Barcelona side with a critical advantage.

Yamal exemplified his potential in the exhilarating Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday in Seville, assisting two of Barcelona’s three goals.

This season, he has demonstrated his brilliance with an impressive tally of 14 goals and 24 assists, along with numerous spectacular moments of creativity and flair, a continuation of his exceptional performances with the Spanish national team at Euro 2024 last summer.

Flick’s vibrant Barcelona side has captured the imagination of fans, largely due to Yamal’s contributions.

Strolling through Barcelona’s city centre, it’s common to spot fans donning replica shirts emblazoned with Yamal’s name.

On matchdays, a flood of No. 19 shirts makes its way up the winding stairs and escalators leading to the iconic Olympic stadium on Montjuic hill.

Previously, these shirts featured Messi’s No. 10, accompanied by various Barcelona jerseys from different eras or Argentina’s sky-blue and white stripes.

With Yamal’s ascension, the shirts are uniform, reflecting his meteoric rise as he embarks on his first season sporting the No. 19 jersey.

‘We have seen a genius’

Should Barcelona clinch the Champions League title, Yamal could very well be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Such a prospect seemed far-fetched when former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez handed him his debut as a mere 15-year-old against Real Betis in April 2023.

At that moment, Yamal appeared a bit overwhelmed, justifiably so, as the towering Camp Nou loomed around him, with tens of thousands scrutinising his every move.

Yet, that was perhaps the only time he exhibited any fear, as since then, he has shown no sign of being daunted.

“I’m amazed by the incredible mentality of these young players,” remarked Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo last week.

“Their composure is impressive… these kids from La Masia have genuinely surprised me.”

Yamal’s mother, however, worries more than he does about his career.

“My mum gets anxious when I play, but she supports me immensely,” he stated as he continues to establish himself at the club.

Those initial nerves vanished quickly, and at just 16, Yamal started to shoulder the team’s creative responsibilities.

Awaiting the results of his secondary school exams, Yamal solidified his star status with the national team during the Euros in Germany, celebrating his 17th birthday the day before the final.

“We have witnessed a genius, a true work of art,” enthused Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente after Yamal scored a stunning goal against France in the semi-finals.

He has become indispensable for Barcelona, who have struggled each time he has not been in the starting lineup this season.

While Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have claimed the majority of the goals, many owe their chances to Yamal’s influence—either directly through his dangerous crosses or indirectly thanks to his incisive dribbling that skims past multiple defenders in build-ups.

“Lamine Yamal… he’s comparable to Messi. Do I find it surprising? No. Everyone knows his quality; he can dribble past anyone,” stated former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde earlier this season.

Yamal was famously photographed as a baby in 2007, being cradled by a then 20-year-old Messi for a charity calendar, yet he remains cautious of comparisons, aware of how inevitable they are.

“Messi is the greatest player ever, and being likened to him means I’m on the right track, but I strive to be my own person,” he remarked back in February.

Should Yamal lead Barcelona back to the Champions League final, those comparisons are sure to intensify.