With reference to last season he wondered why there are talks about having a poor season after he finished as his club second highest goal scorer, despite missing around 16-20 games. “I missed between 16 and 20 games but was still Leverkusen’s second-highest scorer, and they said it was a bad season. I’m just trying to understand what that means.” He rounded up with a salvo for his critics. “Most people don’t even watch the games. They check LiveScore, see that you didn’t score, and go on Twitter to insult you. But if you know me, you’d know I have no problem with that”.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal once again stole the spotlight — this time in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.
The 17-year-old forward scored a stunning goal to make it 2-2 and later forced an own goal, helping the Catalan giants rescue a point on what was another tense European night.
Despite his dazzling performance, Yamal was quick to downplay comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi — a narrative that continues to follow him since breaking into the first team.
Speaking after the game, Yamal showed maturity well beyond his years as he dismissed the idea of being the next Messi.
“Messi has scored thousands of goals like this, so I can’t compare myself to him,” Yamal told Barca Blaugranes. “I’m just trying to improve and go my own way, and I hope to score more goals like this in the future.”
It’s a refreshing perspective from the young forward, whose composure, dribbling, and creativity have already drawn parallels to the Argentine icon. But for Yamal, the focus remains on growth and consistency.
Barcelona’s defensive struggles continued, with the team conceding three goals for the second time in their Champions League campaign. Yamal acknowledged the team’s need for improvement.
“We are Barça and we always have to win. But we’re already thinking about the next league match. It’s a very difficult pitch. It’s hard to win when you concede three goals. That’s what we need to improve.”
He also revealed how his goal came about:
“It was a very quick play, and Fermín backheeled it to me. I tried my best. Well, I’m sad we couldn’t get the win. Let’s hope for next time.”
Yamal also used the post-match interview to address recent rumors surrounding his fitness and emotions, clarifying that reports of him being “sad” or struggling with pubalgia were false.
“There’s been a lot of talk about my pubalgia and that I was sad. It was all lies. I’m trying to get back to work and play at this level, which is how I feel best and enjoy myself the most.”
On being booed by rival fans, the young Spaniard added:
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence if they boo you. If they boo me, it’s because they know I do my job well on the field. I don’t worry about it.”
At just 17, Lamine Yamal continues to prove that he’s not just another talented prospect — he’s the real deal. While he may not want to be compared to Messi, his humility, confidence, and technical brilliance are already setting him apart as Barcelona’s next big superstar.
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