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Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal has opened up on why he does not compare himself to Lionel Messi despite the comparison with the Argentine superstar.
The 17-year-old has become a key player for Barcelona this season with a series of match-winning performances, which has made football fans label him as the next Lionel Messi.
Both players graduated from the famed La Masia academy known for producing great players.
Yamal said he is a huge admirer of the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner but he is focused on himself and not comparing himself with Messi.
He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone — and much less with Messi.
“We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.
“I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him. So, I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less — I’m going to enjoy myself, and be myself.”
The last time Barcelona made it to the Champions League final in 2015 with Lionel Messi leading the charge, Yamal is also at the forefront of repeating the feat 10 years after.
Hansi Flick’s men will take on Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday a few days after they defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Yamal played a key role against Real Madrid by providing two assists, the young star is looking forward to the clash against Inter Milan with excitement.
He said: “I’m really excited, it’s my first (European) semi-final, and for many others in the team too.
“I’ve not had any fear, but I have motivation ahead of the game — I think the butterflies in your stomach are good, all of us players have them. But fear… I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”
He has scored 14 goals, and recorded 24 assists for Barcelona in all competitions this season.
