Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has dismissed comparisons between himself and club legend Lionel Messi, insisting he is focused on forging his own path.
The 17-year-old was instrumental in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League matchday four encounter, scoring a stunning equaliser and forcing an own goal.
After the game, Yamal was asked about the similarities between his goal and some of Messi’s trademark finishes, but the youngster was quick to downplay the comparison. “Messi has scored thousands of goals like that, so I can’t compare myself to him,” he said, according to Barca Blaugranes. “I’m just trying to improve, go my own way, and hopefully score more goals like this in the future.”
Reflecting on the team’s display, he added: “We are Barça, and we always have to win. It’s tough to get a result when you concede three goals — that’s something we must work on. Now we focus on the next league match.”
Yamal also addressed rumours about his fitness and mood, clarifying: “There’s been talk about my pubalgia and that I was sad — it’s all false. I’m feeling good, working hard, and enjoying my football again.”
On being booed by rival fans, the teenager responded confidently: “If they boo me, it means I’m doing something right. I don’t take it personally.”