Lamine Yamal reacts to Messi comparisons, makes huge claim about No. 10 shirt | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Onda Cero, Barcelona and Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal has admitted that being compared to club and football legend Lionel Messi feels special.

However, the 16-year-old sensation proceeded to add that it is impossible for anyone to be at the same level as the Argentine and that he hoped to have half the career that the former Barcelona captain has had.

‘No one is going to be Messi’: Yamal

In his young career, Yamal has already made a lot of waves, becoming an integral part of the Barcelona and the Spanish national team setups over the past year.

Despite being just 16, the wonderkid has not only displayed great skill and ability, but also shown impressive maturity.

Given how he has burst onto the scenes and the impact he has been making, comparisons have been drawn to Messi.

On that topic, Yamal said: “Messi is the best player in history. To be compared to him is incredible but no one can be compared to him. I hope to have half the career that Messi has had.”

“No one is going to be Messi, that comparison can even harm that player.”

A special talent. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On taking the No. 10 jersey

Heading into the new season, there has been a lot of talk about Yamal being handed the No. 10 jersey at Barcelona.

Following Messi’s exit, Ansu Fati took over the mantle of wearing the iconic No. 10, but he was loaned out last season and the shirt was left vacant.

This time out, Yamal has been touted to take over and the youngster admitted that it would be a dream for him if offered the No. 10 shirt, but insisted it is Fati’s for now.

“The number 10 belongs to Ansu Fati; if he were not in the squad and they offered it to me, of course, I would accept it, it is a dream for me,” he said.

During the interview, Yamal also admitted that he was saddened by the departure of Xavi Hernandez, saying:

“The day Xavi left was a very sad day, he is the coach who gave me my debut and trusted me.”