Teenage winger Lamine Yamal has brushed off comparisons to Lionel Messi as Barcelona prepares for their Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old, who plays on the same right flank Messi once dominated, emphasized his desire to forge his own identity.
“I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone — and much less with Messi,” Yamal told reporters.
He acknowledged Messi as “the best player in history” but insisted his focus is on self-improvement.
Yamal is set to make his 100th Barcelona appearance against Inter.
Fresh from setting up two goals in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid, he expressed excitement and a lack of fear ahead of his first European semifinal.
“I’ve not had any fear, but I have motivation,” he stated. Yamal aims to help Barcelona reach their first Champions League final since 2015.
