'I Don't Want to Be Lionel Messi': ‎Lamine Yamal Rejects Lionel Messi Comparisons as Barcelona Star Focuses on 'Following His Own Path'

‎Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has restated that he is not seeking to become the next Lionel Messi, stressing the importance of forging his own identity as comparisons to the Argentine legend intensify. The 18-year-old continues to rise through the ranks after emerging from La Masia, the same academy that produced Messi, sparking conversations he has grown increasingly tired of addressing.

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‎Lamine Yamal reiterates he is not trying to become Lionel Messi, stressing his focus on creating his own Barcelona legacy and staying grounded in his rapid rise.

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‎Yamal’s rapid rise began when he made his senior debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to break into the first team. His performances have since placed him among Europe’s standout prospects, with the teenager already winning La Liga and the European Championship. His list of accolades includes the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award, and he recently finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote.

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‎Yamal acknowledged Messi’s influence on his development yet remained firm in his stance that he is not trying to replicate the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. He told CBS that he considers Messi the greatest footballer of all time but clarified that he aims to create a legacy that stands on its own. He said Messi understands he is not attempting to imitate him, wear the number 10 shirt or follow a predefined mold.

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‎Yamal explained that he studied Messi’s passing when growing up, noting how the forward’s playmaking often produced goals. He described himself as a young player who preferred scoring and running rather than dribbling, finding the creativity of passing more intriguing than individual runs.

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‎Yamal has developed into a player capable of gliding past defenders with ease. His progression has created high expectations, though he says he avoids setting personal targets. He explained that he focuses solely on playing rather than chasing milestones, adding that expectations can damage a player’s mentality. He highlighted football as an escape that allows him to block out everything except the match ahead.

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‎Yamal addressed his ambitions by stating that his intention is not to break every record or accumulate massive tallies of goals and appearances. He stressed his desire to enjoy the sport and entertain supporters, expressing hope that younger players may one day look up to him.

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‎Yamal described his mentality on the pitch as fearless. He said that if multiple defenders stand in front of him, he still takes them on, emphasizing his confidence and the importance of maintaining his aggressive style. He noted that losing the ball is part of the game and that altering his approach would fundamentally change the player he has become.

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‎Yamal has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 14 matches for Barcelona this season. His contributions have helped the club sit at the top of La Liga, one point above Real Madrid, as he also prepares for a potential World Cup run with Spain in 2026.