'Remembered as a player and a person' - Lamine Yamal responds to Lionel Messi calling him 'one of the best in the world' as Barcelona wonderkid insists there's 'no such thing as age' in football

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal played down all the comparisons with Lionel Messi after the Argentine legend called the Spaniard "one of the best players in the world", humbly responding that he simply wants to be "remembered as a player and a person." The teenage sensation also insisted that “there’s no such thing as age” in football, stating that he doesn't feel pressure or fear at the highest level in the biggest moments.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Yamal was quick to explain why he never feels any pressure, even though he's just 17. “I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca, and I’ll focus on that. I value having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17, because not everyone can do that," said Yamal (h/t Football Espana).

“I haven’t had that fear, but I do have the motivation before the game. I left that fear behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago. I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out and enjoy myself. I take it as a good thing, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.

“In football, there is no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. It’s a sport that depends on the quality and mentality of the person. We are at a very high level with a young team. Age is just a number.”

The Euro 2024 winner also talked about club GOAT Messi, downplaying the comparisons: "I don’t compare myself with anyone, same with Messi… I admire Leo, he’s the best in history. I just focus on improving, comparing myself with other players doesn’t make any sense. I have never spoken to Messi

“As a footballer, I want to be remembered as a player and as a person, and I want to be polite, which is what my parents taught me at home.”

In an interview with Simplemente Futbol in mid-April, Messi backed Yamal to add more weaponry to his game and hailed him as "one of the best players in the world."

Yamal is enjoying a terrific season for the Catalans, who are on course to win a treble. Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Inter will be the teenager's 100th official appearance for Barca. To put it in context, Messi made his debut aged 17 years and 114 days!

Yamal has 24 assists across all competitions this season, which is the most by any player playing in Europe's top five leagues. He'll be hoping to mark a century of games with the Blaugrana with a big win, as Barcelona are set to welcome 2023 finalists Inter in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, April 30.