Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal says he’s staying focused on his own development rather than drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi, as Barcelona prepare for their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2019.
The 17-year-old winger, who plays in the same right-sided role that Messi once made his own, will be a key part of Barcelona’s attack when they host Inter Milan in the first leg on Wednesday. It’s the club’s first shot at reaching the final since they lifted the trophy in 2015—with Messi leading the charge.
Despite widespread power outages in Spain earlier this week, UEFA has confirmed that the match at the Nou Camp will proceed as scheduled. Training sessions and media events went ahead without disruption.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Yamal distanced himself from comparisons with the Barcelona legend, despite both being products of the famed La Masia academy.
“I don’t compare myself to anyone—especially not to Messi,” said Yamal, who called the Argentine “the best player in history.”
“I’m just going to enjoy myself and be who I am.”
Already a European champion with Spain, Yamal is set to make his 100th appearance for Barcelona if he plays on Wednesday. He continued his stellar form over the weekend, providing two assists in the 3-2 Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid.
Head coach Hansi Flick believes the momentum from that victory could give Barcelona an emotional lift going into the clash with Inter.
“There was a lot of emotion at the end of the match,” Flick said. “That win against Real is important—it brings positive energy and could give us a boost.”
Flick also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will remain in goal for the semi-final, despite Marc-André ter Stegen returning to fitness after a long injury layoff.
