Lamine Yamal reaches Messi’s debut age at Barcelona - and the unfair comparisons begin
On November 4, 2024, Lamine Yamal reached 6,324 days old - the exact age at which Lionel Messi made his senior debut for FC Barcelona in 2004 against Espanyol.
Naturally, comparisons have erupted, especially with Yamal having already amassed an impressive 83 first-team appearances, well ahead of Messi’s count at this age. While it’s impossible for any player to overtake Messi’s legendary status at Barcelona, Yamal’s rapid rise has made him one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga, winning the European Championship with Spain in the Summer and recently the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or while having firmly established himself as a regular starter for Barça.
However, as thrilling as these comparisons are, it’s worth noting that measuring up to Messi’s legacy is a monumental, lifelong pursuit - one that places immense pressure on Yamal at such a young age. He may have a head start in terms of early accomplishments, but to truly follow in Messi’s footsteps, he will need to sustain this level throughout his entire career. That’s a daunting expectation for any 17-year-old, no matter how talented.
A prophetic photo with Messi
The connection between Messi and Yamal dates back further than most would believe. In a twist of fate, Yamal and Messi first “met” when Yamal was just a baby. During a charity photoshoot, a young Messi was photographed bathing baby Yamal, an image that would become symbolic as Yamal emerged as Barcelona’s next potential star. This surreal moment in Barça history has fuelled the sense that Yamal, dubbed by some as the “chosen one,” could one day follow in Messi’s monumental footsteps.
Comparisons with Messi - and Neymar?
The Messi-Yamal comparisons are almost unavoidable. Both emerged from La Masia with extraordinary potential, and both displayed an early maturity that made them seem destined for football greatness. However, Barcelona teammate Raphinha, who has shared the pitch with Yamal regularly, believes the youngster has more in common with another Barcelona icon: Neymar.
In an interview with El País, Raphinha explained, “I see him more like Neymar. His dribbling, how quickly he thinks to dribble… when you think you can steal the ball from him, he does something you’ve never seen in your life.” This is high praise, particularly from a Brazilian international, and speaks to the flair and instinctive creativity that defines Yamal’s play.
Yamal’s style - marked by audacious dribbling and an ability to create something from nothing - certainly evokes memories of Neymar, who lit up Barcelona with his unpredictability and unique style in the famous “MSN” trio alongside Messi and Suárez. Where it’s difficult to put words on Messi’s brilliance that will do him justice, Yamal brings a raw, almost improvisational dazzle that sparks a similar feeling to when Messi played for the Catalan club, which has begun to captivate Barça fans worldwide.
Record-breaking rise
While Messi debuted with much potential and high praise from non other than Ronaldinho who already then said that the Argentine would become the best player in the world, Yamal has shattered records at a relentless pace. Since his debut at just 15 years and 9 months against Real Betis, he has amassed over 80 appearances for the first team, scoring 13 goals and notching 17 assists. In his first El Clasico appearance at 17, he became Barcelona’s youngest goalscorer in the historic fixture, adding to a list of records that includes being the youngest scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League.
These early achievements are particularly impressive given the pressure on him. Former Barça youngsters such as Bojan Krkić and Ansu Fati carried similar expectations but struggled to sustain the pace amid injuries and high expectations. Yet, Yamal’s performances have shown resilience and a fearless attitude, suggesting he’s better prepared to meet the intense demands of a club like Barcelona.
Comments from around the football world
Lamine Yamal’s rise hasn’t only drawn comparisons within Barcelona. National teammate Álvaro Morata has already tipped the young winger to become Spain’s greatest player, saying, “Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it… Every 20 or 30 years, one or two emerge like Cristiano and Messi. I’m convinced that if he doesn’t become the greatest player in Spain’s history, he’ll definitely be one of them.”
A path all his own
Though the Messi comparisons will persist, Yamal has wisely distanced himself from them. Acknowledging Messi as the “best player in history,” Yamal has expressed a humble approach, saying he would consider himself “lucky to achieve even half” of what Messi accomplished. This pragmatic mindset may be his strongest asset as he moves forward in his career, steering clear of the “next Messi” label and instead focusing on becoming the best version of himself.
Football development is unpredictable, and while Yamal has avoided significant injuries so far, the physical demands on him are enormous. The next few years will be crucial, and Barcelona’s coaching staff under Hansi Flick will need to manage his minutes carefully to keep him fit and thriving.
The sky’s the limit
With 13 goal contributions in 14 appearances this season, Yamal’s impact has been vital for Barcelona, who sit comfortably atop the La Liga table. His technical skill and tactical intelligence, often unmatched by his peers, indicate that his journey to becoming one of the world’s best has only just begun.
In Yamal, Barcelona fans see a player capable of carrying the club’s future, even in these challenging financial times. His flair, versatility, and natural ability to create magic on the pitch remind many of the unique legacy left by players like Neymar and Messi. That iconic photo of Messi holding a young Yamal may indeed prove prophetic, yet as Raphinha rightly pointed out, Yamal is forging a path that blends influences but is distinctly his own. And for Barcelona fans, that’s more than enough to dream about.