Lamine Yamal: Lionel Messi photos risked ‘unwanted comparisons’

Photos of Lamine Yamal arsenic a babe pinch Lionel Messi had been kept quiet to debar putting unit connected nan Spain winger, nan Euro 2024 sensation has said.

The shots of Messi, which were taken successful 2007 and showed nan Barcelona all-time apical scorer bathing a six-month aged Yamal alongside nan early record-breaker’s mother, Sheila Ebana, person gone viral since Spain secured their spot successful nan Euro last pinch nan thief of a stunning extremity by nan 16-year-old against France.

“My dada had nan photos saved and they ne'er came out, fundamentally because we didn’t want nan comparisons pinch Messi,” Yamal told Twitch transmission Jijantes, via ESPN.

“No-one would beryllium irritated to beryllium compared pinch nan champion to ever play nan game, but it’s thing that could activity against you because you’re ne'er going to beryllium for illustration him.”

Messi and Yamal photo

Nine-time Ballon d’Or victor Messi is arguably nan top modern footballer but Yamal has already group respective of his ain records.

He became nan youngest scorer successful Euro qualifying astatine nan property of 16 and 57 days past twelvemonth and has since go nan youngest Euro subordinate and scorer, taking nan second landmark pinch a long-range equaliser against France connected Tuesday.

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That besides made him nan youngest subordinate and scorer successful a semi-final astatine nan awesome tournament, breaking records group by Brazil icon Pele astatine nan 1958 World Cup.

The last against England successful Berlin connected Sunday (20:00 BST) will springiness nan prodigy – for illustration Messi, a Barca younker merchandise – nan chance to make much history.

Yamal, Messi records

In position of age, Messi was 4 days distant from making his Argentina debut erstwhile he turned 17 – nan property Yamal will go connected Saturday.

Messi was 17 years and 3 months aged erstwhile he made his Barca bow, but Yamal first appeared for them arsenic a 15-year-old successful 2023.

Yamal was besides asked astir nan imaginable of Barca signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has besides starred for Spain astatine nan finals and turned 22 connected Friday.

“I don’t person a opportunity successful this but I’d emotion to play pinch him,” Lamine replied, via Bein. “When we get to Madrid, I’ll get him a gift – possibly a jersey.”