Yamal Unfazed by Messi Comparisons
Lamine Yamal, the rising star of Barcelona, has shrugged off comparisons to Lionel Messi after being nominated for the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
The 17-year-old played a crucial role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 and was also a standout performer for Barcelona last season. His nomination for the Ballon d’Or makes him the youngest player ever to receive the honor.
Yamal expressed his gratitude for the comparison to Messi but emphasized his desire to establish his own legacy. He stated that being compared to the greatest player of all time is a sign of his own achievements and does not bother him.
“For me, the most important thing is to leave a legacy, to have your career. In the end, being compared to Leo is more important than not looking at it.
“The truth is if you are being compared to Messi, the best player in history, it’s because you are doing things well. It doesn’t bother me, but obviously, I always try to be myself.”