The Barcelona wonderkid has been likened to the Argentine icon for their similar career paths but the 17-year-old star doesn't pit himself against others.

Yamal said: "I don't compare myself to him, because I don't compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.

"We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.

"So I don't think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I'm going to enjoy myself, and be myself.

"I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don't compare myself to him."

Yamal will be in action for Barca when they take on Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday (30.04.25) and is excited to play in the last four of Europe's most prestigious competition for the first time.

He said: "I'm really excited, it's my first [European] semi-final, and for many others in the team too.

"I've not had any fear, but I have motivation ahead of the game. I think the butterflies in your stomach are good, all of us players have them.

"But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (his hometown) a long time ago."

The Catalan club enter the semi-final on a high after beating rivals Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend and coach Hansi Flick thinks that the success will drive the team forward in the tie.

The Barca manager said: "What I can see is that everyone is focused on this match, that everyone knows how important it is to be able to go to the Champions League final.

"Also this win against Real is very important for the positive vibes, and it could push you also. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final. It's a dream for everyone to be here, we have to stay focused.

"Inter have a team where some players are at an age where maybe it's the last opportunity to reach a final and they will give 100 per cent."