Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal admits he ‘really’ likes Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martinez but insists he won’t compare himself to Leo Messi: ‘He’s the best in history.’
The Spanish talent held a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, joining Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
Tomorrow, the Catalans will host Serie A giants Inter in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.
Yamal said Barcelona have a “great desire” to qualify for the Final and show their quality.
Yamal picks two Inter players he ‘really’ likes, plays down Messi comparison
Talking about Inter, he added (via Football Espana): “Well, I really like Barella and Lautaro. When they have the ball, they play very well, and they defend very well. They’re a team I like to watch.”
Inter lost to Roma on Sunday, only two days ago, but Barcelona played a demanding Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid the previous day and were forced to extra time.
This is the first time Yamal plays a Champions League semifinal, but he doesn’t seem to feel pressure ahead of the game.
“I haven’t had that fear, but I do have the motivation before the game,” said Yamal.
“I left that fear behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago. I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out and enjoy myself. I take it as a good thing, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.
“In football, there is no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. It’s a sport that depends on the quality and mentality of the person. We are at a very high level with a young team. Age is just a number.
“As a footballer, I want to be remembered as a player and as a person, and I want to be polite, which is what my parents taught me at home.”
Leo Messi has recently praised the Spanish talent, but Yamal played down any comparison with the Argentinean legend.
“I won’t compare myself with him or anyone else. I leave these things to the press. I only think about improving every day,” he said.
“This comparison thing makes no sense, furthermore with Messi, who is the best in history. I didn’t talk to him.”
Nevertheless, he still showed confidence in his means.
“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca, and I’ll focus on that,” he admitted.
“I value having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17, because not everyone can do that.”
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