Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has made it clear that he does not wish to be compared to Lionel Messi, despite playing in a similar role for the club. As Barcelona prepares for their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, Yamal emphasized his desire to focus on his own development rather than drawing parallels to the iconic Argentine forward, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.

During a media conference, the 17-year-old stated, "I don't compare myself to him, because I don't compare myself to anyone - and much less with Messi." Yamal acknowledged Messi's status as "the best player in history" but insisted that such comparisons do not add value to his game. His approach reflects a mature mindset, as he seeks to carve his own identity within a team that is experiencing a resurgence this season.

Yamal is riding a wave of momentum after helping Barcelona lift the Copa del Rey trophy by contributing to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid, where he assisted two goals. His performance has solidified his position as an integral part of the squad. Should he feature in the upcoming match against Inter Milan, it will mark his 100th appearance for the club, a milestone that highlights his rapid ascent in European football.

Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick expressed confidence that the team's recent success against Real Madrid could provide a boost as they face Inter. He noted that the emotional high from their Copa del Rey victory could serve as a catalyst for further success in the Champions League. The excitement surrounding the semi-final match is palpable, especially as Barcelona seeks to return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2015, a time when Messi was at the helm of their attack.

As the anticipation builds for this crucial match, Yamal's focus on individuality and performance rather than comparisons to Messi could be a key factor in his development and Barcelona's ambitions in the tournament.