Yamal’s path to matching Messi, Ronaldo outlined by Barcelona coach ahead of Champions League clash

Last Wednesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan drew 3–3 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. In that match, Lamine Yamal delivered a standout performance, scoring a crucial goal at a moment when the Spanish giants were in serious trouble. Now, head coach Hansi Flick has spoken about the young winger and compared him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We are really happy that he’s playing with us and he’s on this level at 17, it’s unbelievable,” Flick said Friday about Yamal. However, the coach was quick to add: “We know he also has to work hard to maintain this and maybe to get better and better. I think also he wants this. It’s not the end.”

Hansi then emphasized that while Lamine has the natural tools to become one of the world’s best players, that alone won’t be enough. “It’s not only the talent, the genius he is, it’s also hard work when you want to reach this level… Ronaldo, Messi, the big, big players in the past,” the German coach said.

Despite expressing satisfaction with the winger’s performance against Inter Milan, Flick made it clear the expectations remain high. “When you are able to play at this level, you have to show it again. It’s not about one game. Every player has potential to get better and this is also what he needs.”

Barcelona’s Hansi Flick and Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal’s numbers this season

Lamine Yamal turns 18 in July, but despite his young age, he is already one of the most influential players in the world. His performances this season reflect that, as he has established himself as a vital piece of Barcelona’s attack.

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Across all competitions, the Spanish winger has played 49 matches this season, recording 15 goals and 24 assists. That amounts to an average of 0.79 goal contributions per game—an extraordinary number for such a young player. And his best form has come on the biggest stage: the Champions League. There, he has played 12 matches this season, with 5 goals and 4 assists.

Barcelona have two major goals ahead

Next Tuesday, Barcelona will travel to Italy to face Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals, aiming to return to the final of Europe’s premier tournament for the first time in 10 years. However, that’s not the only objective on their radar.

While the Champions League is a major target, head coach Hansi Flick has made it clear another title is the priority. “La Liga is the most important trophy,” he said Friday. “When you win this title, it’s the honest title. For a long, long season, you have to play at the highest level.”

Currently, Barcelona sit atop the La Liga standings with 76 points, four ahead of Real Madrid with five matches remaining. This Saturday, the Catalan club will visit Valladolid in a match they are heavily favored to win, considering their opponents have already been relegated and are in last place in the table.