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As Barcelona prepare to host Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, young prodigy Lamine Yamal has spoken openly about his respect for two of the Italian club’s top stars—Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martinez—while firmly dismissing any comparisons to football icon Lionel Messi.
The 17-year-old forward joined new Barça boss Hansi Flick for a pre-match press conference on Tuesday and expressed both ambition and humility ahead of what will be the biggest European night of his career so far.
Yamal’s admiration for Inter’s star players
Speaking about Inter’s squad, Yamal didn’t hesitate when asked which players he enjoys watching most.
“Well, I really like Barella and Lautaro. When they have the ball, they play very well, and they defend very well. They’re a team I like to watch,”
— Yamal said via Football Espana.
Inter Milan head into the semifinal after suffering a recent defeat to Roma, while Barcelona battled through a grueling Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, eventually going to extra time. Despite the fatigue factor, the Blaugrana are focused on reaching the final in Istanbul.
“We have a great desire to qualify for the final and show what we’re capable of,” Yamal added.
Fearless approach from the young talent
While some might expect nerves from a teenager making his first Champions League semifinal appearance, Yamal made it clear he feels nothing but motivation.
“I haven’t had that fear, but I do have the motivation before the game,” he said.
“I left that fear behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago. I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out and enjoy myself. I take it as a good thing, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.”
He also shared his outlook on age in professional football, challenging the idea that youth equals inexperience.
“In football, there is no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. It’s a sport that depends on the quality and mentality of the person. We are at a very high level with a young team. Age is just a number.”
Yamal on Messi: “He’s the best in history”
Despite the growing hype around his performances, especially after Lionel Messi himself praised him, Yamal was quick to shut down comparisons with the legendary Argentine.
“I won’t compare myself with him or anyone else. I leave these things to the press. I only think about improving every day.
This comparison thing makes no sense, furthermore with Messi, who is the best in history. I didn’t talk to him.”
Focused on growth and legacy
The teenager, who has racked up significant minutes for Barcelona this season, also reflected on his development and what he hopes to be remembered for—not just as a player, but as a person.
“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca, and I’ll focus on that,” he said.
“I value having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17, because not everyone can do that.”
“As a footballer, I want to be remembered as a player and as a person, and I want to be polite, which is what my parents taught me at home.”
With Barcelona and Inter both chasing a spot in the final, all eyes will be on Yamal to see if he can help lead his side past another European heavyweight—and into the pages of Champions League history.
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