Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal told to ‘ignore’ comparisons with club legend Lionel Messi as Barcelona go into new season

Lamine Yamal being advised by Marc-Andre ter Stegen to be himself instead of following the path of Lionel Messi as the fans want.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, image courtesy: X

At the tender age of 17 years, Lamine Yamal has been making ripples already after his successful campaign in the Euro 2024 where he partnered exceedingly well with Nico Williams to propel Spain to the championship for a staggering fourth time. However, this wasn’t his first rodeo with greatness as he had already featured for Barcelona in 2023 and from the first 38 appearances for the first team, he has already registered five goals.

With the lofty heights that he is already kissing, and with expectations of a future Ballon d’Or looming large on the horizon, it goes without saying that one of the most predominant contrasts that is now being pinned onto his back is that with the Catalan legend, Lionel Messi. However, amidst all the fanfare and the media storm, Barcelona’s first-choice goal-keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has had provided valuable advice to the wunderkind.

He still has room for improvement, he is very young, he is just starting. He has also grown physically. Lamine knows that he can count on me for anything he needs. You can't compare them. Of course we miss Leo. As a footballer he is unique, you can see him in every game, always staying at the highest level. He is the best of all time.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen told ESPN

Lamine Yamal has already been in close quarters with Messi while he was a kid and has stepped in the exact same footsteps as that of the Argentine skipper being a La Masia graduate. His recent hot form in the continental fray against Europe’s finest is once again instilling hopes in the Barcelona fans ahead of the upcoming season.

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A glance at Barcelona’s pre-season in 2024 so far

The Catalan giants started their pre-season with a win over Manchester City at the Camping World Stadium. Despite the regulation time of 90 minutes witnessing both the sides score two goals apiece with Pau Victor and Pablo Torre finding the back of the net for Barcelona, it was the penalties that separated the two sides.

Lamine Yamal — Barcelona, image courtesy: X

With Manchester City missing out on a couple of penalties as Kalvin Phillips and Jacob Wright failing to find the target, Barcelona seized the victory with all four of their spot-kicks finding the back of the net. The Spaniards will be starting their season with a clash against Valencia on 17th August at Mestalla.

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