At just 17, Lamine Yamal delivers a performance that stuns the football world, drawing comparisons to legends like Messi and Ronaldo.
– In a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash at Camp Nou, teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal etched his name into footballing folklore with a sensational performance that saw Barcelona and Inter Milan play out an epic 3-3 draw. The 17-year-old, already hailed as one of the sport’s brightest stars, scored his 22nd goal on his landmark 100th appearance for the Catalan giants—an unprecedented feat at such a tender age.
Despite Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries bagging two goals and a man-of-the-match nod, the global spotlight fixated on Lamine Yamal, who delivered what many described as “one of the greatest 45-minute performances” in Champions League history.
“Lamine Yamal is the kind of talent that comes along every 50 years,” admitted Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi.
“He’s special, he’s a genius,” added Barca coach Hansi Flick.
A Talent Beyond His Years
Even before turning 18, Lamine Yamal’s record-breaking career continues to draw awe. The youngest player ever to hit 100 matches for Barcelona, he now boasts 22 goals, 27 assists, and multiple records, including:
Youngest Champions League starter
Youngest to score in knockout, quarter-final, and semi-final matches
Spain’s youngest international goalscorer
Winner of UEFA Euro 2024—the day after his 17th birthday
A stat making waves post-match compared his output to football’s GOATs: Lionel Messi had one goal in nine appearances at 17, while Cristiano Ronaldo managed five in 19. Yamal has eclipsed them both, sparking intense discussion among fans and pundits alike.
A Night to Remember
There was early drama when Lamine Yamal limped off during the warm-up, sparking fears he wouldn’t start. But when he did, he quickly came alive—despite being double-marked. After Inter took a shocking 2-0 lead through Marcus Thuram and Dumfries, Yamal struck back with a dazzling solo goal, curling the ball in off the far post with elite composure.
He nearly scored again moments later, forcing a save that deflected onto the bar, before Ferran Torres equalized for Barca. Dumfries restored Inter’s lead before an own goal—created by Raphinha’s thunderous shot after a clever Yamal dummy—brought Barca level once more. The drama didn’t stop there, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan had a goal ruled out for offside, and Yamal nearly won it late with a cross-shot that struck the post and bar.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a 45 minutes like that from one individual before in my life,” said TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist.
“He’s a cheat code,” added Owen Hargreaves.
“Unplayable,” concluded Stephen Warnock.
Messi Comparisons Inevitable, But Lamine Yamal Stays Grounded
Born in 2007, Yamal’s connection to Messi is almost surreal—he was once photographed as a baby being bathed by a young Messi in a charity photoshoot. But the teenager remains humble.
“I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi,” Yamal told reporters.
“I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”
Still, pundits can’t resist the parallels. Both rose through La Masia, both dazzled early on the right wing, and both became central to Barca’s dreams. TNT’s Rio Ferdinand said, “There was a void when Messi left, this kid is doing stuff at 17 we’ve never seen before.”
All Eyes on San Siro
After this electrifying first leg, the football world is already buzzing about next week’s second leg at San Siro. If Lamine Yamal continues in this vein, Barcelona’s dreams of a sixth Champions League title may rest heavily on the shoulders of a once-in-a-generation teenager.
