Lamine Yamal is preparing to play the biggest match of his young career as Barcelona take on Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Speaking to the press on the eve of the clash, the teenager radiated excitement and composure in equal measure.
“We’re really excited,” he said. “It’s my first semi-final, and it’s the same for many of my teammates. I’m looking forward to it.”
Barcelona head into the tie fresh from an extra-time victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, and Yamal believes the team’s mindset will be key again tomorrow night.
“The heart is currently weighing more than the legs,” he explained. “When you play in a final against Madrid or a match like that, you give everything you have and more.”
Inter’s threat is not lost on him. The Serie A giants may be struggling domestically, but they have been defensively solid in Europe and remain unbeaten in six Champions League matches.
“We know Inter are a very strong team,” said Yamal. “They’re very strong defensively, and that defence is their greatest weapon. They’re also very quick on the counter-attack and have a good team.”
Yamal singled out Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez for praise. “They’re one of the best teams in Europe on the counter,” he said. “They’re a team I like to watch.”
Despite his youth, the winger has played more matches at this level than many people would expect.
“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca,” he noted. “I value having the mentality to always be motivated, because not everyone can do that.”
As Barcelona prepare to welcome Inter to Spain, Yamal insists age is irrelevant. “There’s no age in football,” he said. “It depends on the quality and the mindset of each individual.”
He was also quick to deflect comparisons with Lionel Messi. “I don’t compare myself to Messi – it doesn’t make sense,” Yamal admitted. “I’m myself and I want to follow my own path.”
The pressure is immense with a Champions League final at stake, but Yamal remains grounded.
“I wouldn’t call it pressure,” he said. “I go out and enjoy myself. I take it as a good thing, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.”
