Wed Apr 30 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Teen Sensation Yamal Rejects Messi Comparisons Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash

**Barcelona, Spain** – Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is focused solely on his own performance as the club prepares for its first Champions League semi-final in four years, a match against Inter Milan at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. The 17-year-old, who plays on the right wing – a position famously occupied by Lionel Messi – has emphatically dismissed comparisons with the Argentinian legend.

“I don’t compare myself to anyone, much less Messi,” Yamal stated at a press conference. “He’s the best player in history, but the comparison doesn’t make sense. I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.” This statement comes despite Yamal’s meteoric rise, which includes a European Championship title with Spain and an impending 100th appearance for Barcelona. He further cemented his credentials with a two-assist performance in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believes the exhilarating win over their rivals will boost morale heading into the Inter Milan match. “There was big emotion at the end of the match,” Flick commented, highlighting the positive impact of the victory. He also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal, despite the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen from injury.

The match is set to proceed as scheduled despite recent nationwide power outages in Spain. A UEFA spokesperson assured that the game is unaffected. Barcelona’s appearance in the semi-final marks their first since 2019, and a potential Champions League final appearance would be their first in a decade. The match will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport, with a post-match highlights show on BBC One.

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