If there is a name that generates excitement among FC Barcelona fans, not only in the present but also looking towards the future due to his evident youth, it is Lamine Yamal. The Culé forward has been compared more than once to none other than a legend of the Blaugrana entity and world football, like Lionel Andrés Messi. At just 17 years old, he has already become one of the key offensive players for the Barcelona team and the Spanish national team, showcasing a game so attractive and filled with quality and 'magic' that, at first glance, seems to have no clear limit.
Anecdotally, the winner of the Kopa Trophy, who recently made a video game-worthy assist in the match against RCD Espanyol (3-1), has positioned himself as one of the leaders in assists (7) in LaLiga EA Sports 2024-25 after 12 matchdays. Recently, he has been subject to a new comparison with Leo Messi. However, this time, the data favor Lamine Yamal and give an idea of the tremendous potential that the Culé '19' can have if he continues this 'meteoric' progression.
On the fourth of November, Lamine Yamal reached the exact age of 17 years, three months, and 22 days. What is special about this particular age? At the same age, Leo Messi was barely making his debut in the first team of FC Barcelona, a debut that took place on October 16, 2004 in the 0-1 victory of the Barcelona team against RCD Espanyol, where the Rosario star came on as a substitute for Deco in the final stages of the match.
It is particularly striking and encouraging that, at the age when Leo Messi was taking his first steps in professional football, Lamine Yamal already has a career full of interesting statistical figures, not only at FC Barcelona but also with the Spanish national team. With the latter, he has already lifted a Eurocup, proving decisive and being crowned as the best young player of the tournament.
The numbers where Lamine Yamal outperforms Leo Messi
Lamine Yamal, the youngest debutant in the history of FC Barcelona in LaLiga since his debut on April 29, 2023, in the 0-4 victory against Real Betis in the corresponding match of LaLiga 2022-23, has established himself as a crucial element in the Blaugrana squad. The right winger has not only been important for Xavi Hernández, who deserves credit for trusting him and fielding him regularly despite his age, but also for Hansi Flick, who has managed to enhance an improved version of him, making him a more complete player: assister, scorer, playmaker, and even more defensively diligent.
In terms of statistics, currently, Lamine Yamal has played 66 matches, with a total of 13 goals and 17 assists, distributed as follows: in LaLiga, 50 games, 10 goals, and 14 assists; in the UEFA Champions League, 13 matches, one goal, and three assists; in the Copa del Rey, one game and one goal; and in the Spanish Super Cup, two games and one goal. Additionally, with the 'Roja', he has played 17 games, scored three goals, and provided nine assists, becoming an essential player in Luis de la Fuente's scheme.
With all this in mind, it would not be surprising for FC Barcelona fans to get excited about the idea that their young star, Lamine Yamal, according to what he has been showing, could become the next legend of the Blaugrana team. Although he undoubtedly has a long way to go, he is gradually leaving more and more impressions that invite optimism.