Lionel Messi photos risked ‘unwanted comparisons’

Photos of Lamine Yamal as a baby with Lionel Messi had been kept quiet to avoid putting pressure on the Spain winger, the Euro 2024 sensation has said.

The shots of Messi, which were taken in 2007 and showed the Barcelona all-time top scorer bathing a six-month old Yamal alongside the future record-breaker’s mother, Sheila Ebana, have gone viral since Spain secured their place in the Euro final with the help of a stunning goal by the 16-year-old against France.

“My dad had the photos saved and they never came out, basically because we didn’t want the comparisons with Messi,” Yamal told Twitch channel Jijantes, via ESPN.

“No-one would be annoyed to be compared with the best to ever play the game, but it’s something that could work against you because you’re never going to be like him.”

Messi and Yamal photo

Nine-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is arguably the greatest modern footballer but Yamal has already set several of his own records.

He became the youngest scorer in Euro qualifying at the age of 16 and 57 days last year and has since become the youngest Euro player and scorer, taking the latter landmark with a long-range equaliser against France on Tuesday.

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That also made him the youngest player and scorer in a semi-final at the major tournament, breaking records set by Brazil icon Pele at the 1958 World Cup.

The final against England in Berlin on Sunday (20:00 BST) will give the prodigy – like Messi, a Barca youth product – the chance to make more history.

Yamal, Messi records

In terms of age, Messi was four days away from making his Argentina debut when he turned 17 – the age Yamal will become on Saturday.

Messi was 17 years and three months old when he made his Barca bow, but Yamal first appeared for them as a 15-year-old in 2023.

Yamal was also asked about the prospect of Barca signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has also starred for Spain at the finals and turned 22 on Friday.

“I don’t have a say in this but I’d love to play with him,” Lamine replied, via Bein. “When we get to Madrid, I’ll get him a gift – maybe a jersey.”