I don’t want to be Messi: Yamal

‘To me, he is the greatest in football history.’

After saying this, Lamene Yamal is still sometimes compared to Lionel Messi by others. But Yamal’s career is still in its early stages. He has a long road ahead filled with opportunities and success.

Yes, watching Yamal play reminds some people of Messi. But Yamal himself wants to avoid such comparisons. In an interview with CBS News, he clearly stated that he does not want to be like Messi. He wants to carve his own path in football. Messi knows this too.

Yamal seems to suggest, ‘Those who are compared may get headaches, and everyone around loses sleep!’ Since Messi left Barcelona in 2021, Yamal’s performances have carried his shadow. At such a young age, his achievements with Barcelona and the national team mirror Messi’s early milestones. He has won several league titles with Barcelona and the European Championship with Spain.

Like Messi, Yamal is left-footed and plays in similar positions. Scoring goals and providing assists are part of his game. Yet, he does not want to diminish Messi’s legacy.

On CBS News’ ‘60 Minutes,’ he said, ‘I respect what he has done and what he represents in football. There will always be mutual respect on the pitch. To me, he is the greatest in history.’

This season, Yamal has scored 7 goals in 14 matches for Barcelona. Asked about his style, he said, ‘Joy—that’s the right word. I play to bring joy to people. Breaking world records or scoring millions of goals is not my aim. I simply enjoy the game.’

Regarding his personal life, Yamal mentioned, ‘Football is my first love. My friends, father, and mother also love football. It is everything in my life.’

KhaborwalaAJ