Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Unfazed by Lionel Messi Comparisons Ahead of Inter Match

Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has expressed that his focus remains on solidifying his own identity rather than drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi, as the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan approaches on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old has quickly become a pivotal player on the right flank, a position that has long been associated with Messi, who was part of the famed La Masia academy just like Yamal.

Barcelona last made it to the Champions League final in 2015 with Messi leading the attack, and now Yamal aspires to help propel the Catalan club back to similar heights this season.

“I don’t see the point in comparing myself to anyone, especially not to Messi,” Yamal stated to reporters on Tuesday.

“Our goal is to enhance our skills each day, striving to be better than we were yesterday.

“Creating comparisons, particularly with Messi, is quite meaningless. I’m here to have fun and be true to myself.”

Yamal regards the Argentine legend as the finest player in history.

“I obviously admire him as the greatest player ever, but I don’t compare myself with him,” he reiterated.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez concurred, emphasising that comparisons between Messi and Yamal are unwarranted.

“Leo is incomparable, he’s simply the greatest of all time, and I’m not going to make that comparison,” Martinez remarked to the press.

“Lamine is undoubtedly a significant player — we can all see it. He has achieved major titles with his national team, deserving our respect, and he has a brilliant future ahead.”

Should Yamal play as anticipated against Inter Milan on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium, he will mark his 100th appearance for Barcelona in all competitions.

Yamal was instrumental in the Copa del Rey final, assisting two goals as Barcelona triumphed over their fierce rivals, Real Madrid, with a score of 3-2 on Saturday, taking a further step towards a potential quadruple this season.

“I’m incredibly excited; this is my first (European) semi-final, and many in the team share this sentiment,” said Yamal, who revealed he feels no nerves ahead of the match.

“I don’t feel any fear; rather, there’s a drive to succeed — those butterflies in your stomach can be positive, and every player experiences them.

“But fear? I left that behind in the park back in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”

‘Good Vibes’

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick indicated that the excitement from their Copa del Rey victory against Madrid could serve as a beneficial boost for the team rather than being a hindrance.

“There were immense emotions at the end of the match,” Flick remarked.

“What I can see is that everyone is focused; this victory over Real is crucial for the positive vibes and moments, which could provide a great push forward.

“We’re aware of the work we need to put in to reach the final… Inter have players who see this as their last opportunity to make it, and they will give everything they have.”

Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will remain in goal for the Champions League, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s return to fitness following a lengthy injury absence.

Even though Inter Milan has faced three consecutive defeats, including a setback in the Italian Cup against rivals AC Milan, Flick asserts that this will not affect the Italian side’s performance.

“They are just two matches away from the final… it’s an entirely different scenario; everyone gives their all, regardless of past results,” he stated.