“One Day You’re the ‘Next Lionel Messi’ & Next Day They Say Stop Playing”- Barcelona Star Exposes ‘Double-Faced’ Media

Understanding the broader purpose of sports can always help you be the best version of yourself. Such kind of maturity is now seen in one Spanish prodigy. Not getting too emotional on the field, the Lamine Yamal easily squeezes through spaces, just like his icon Lionel Messi. The FC Barcelona star is already showing a few signs of the Argentine captain by scoring goals, as well as, providing assists. However, it appears he is not too phased by compliments with a surprising dig at the media for the unreasonable hype.

Lamine Yamal revealed that he doesn’t take the media seriously when they compare him to Messi. Speaking to GQ, he stated, “In the press one day they make you out to be the new Messi, and the next day they say you have to stop playing,” citing his opinion about temporary opinions that are formed.

Yamal already started making waves last year when he became the youngest player to start both for Spain and the Catalan club. Apart from his left foot, the star reminded fans of the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner. On the other hand, his club has not been having the success they’re used to during Messi’s time. FC Barcelona did not win a single trophy this season and hasn’t won a Champions League since 2015 which subjected the 16-year-old to a few trolls.

However, the Spanish international had a decent season with an impressive 5 goals and 10 assists despite being on the bench for quite a few games. At just 16 years you can’t expect more than that because even Messi made his debut for Barcelona at 17. Nevertheless, the Inter Miami player has left a huge legacy that Yamal doesn’t seem to focus on right now.

Yamal finds an alternative to filling the boots of Lionel Messi

Lamal has set eyes on improving rather than being satisfied with comparisons alongside Lionel Messi. He further said, “So the best thing to do is to focus on your own thing and your work and think only about what the coach, who is the one who really wants to help you, and your teammates tell you.” 

Playing at the right wing, a similar position to Lionel Messi, Yamal does have a parallel approach to the Argentine. The 2022 World Cup winner also slashes any praises for being one of the best and emphasizes collective work.

Nevertheless, Yamal has cherished his journey until now. He further stated the younger generation has already started looking up to him the way Messi and Neymar inspired him. But with his club guarding him from comparisons, Yamal approaches his career with the right attitude.