LAMINE YAMAL VS LIONEL MESSI: WHO HAD THE BETTER STATS AT AGE EIGHTEEN
Lamine Yamal insists he isn't the "new Messi" despite shattering records. Explore the data behind his historic rise at Barça.
So, Lionel Messi's getting ready to play against Lamine Yamal, who a lot of people think could be the next big thing. They both came up through Barca, playing on the right, and even wore the number 10. People had high hopes for both of them early on.
Yamal's got a ways to go to reach Messi's level, what with those eight Ballon d'Or awards. But how do their stats compare at 18?
Yamal's already played 100 games for Barcelona. Did Messi do more in his first 100?
Yamal vs. Messi: The 18-Year-Old Stats
This Barca star turned 18 last July (2025), but he'd already played a ton of soccer. According to Planet Football, he has played 127 games for club and country and scored 74 goals since his debut in April 2023.
At 15 years, nine months, and 16 days, he was the youngest player ever in La Liga. He's broken a ton more records since then, like being the youngest scorer in the Spanish league, the youngest to start a Champions League game, and the youngest to play for Spain.
For comparison, Messi debuted at 17 and only played nine times before turning 18. He only had one goal by then, scored in injury time in a 2-0 win against Albacete Balompie when he was 17 years, 10 months, and seven days old.
It just shows how quickly Yamal has risen to the top. He's already one of the world's best. This Finalissima match in March could be the changing of the guard as Messi winds down and Yamal gets going.
Fans were shocked by a photo of Yamal and Messi from 16 years ago, shared by Yamal's dad.
Yamal Doesn't Want to Be the Next Messi
Yamal has said he wants to make his own name at Barcelona, not be compared to Messi. Back in April 2025, when asked about the comparisons, he said, "I don't compare myself to him, or anyone else, especially not Messi."
It doesn't make sense to compare myself to Messi. I'm just going to enjoy myself and be myself.
He said again in December, "I respect him for what he's done for soccer." If we meet on the field, there'll be respect because we're both players and because he's the best.
He knows I'm a player too, and I respect him, so it's mutual. We both know I don't want to be Messi, and he knows I don't want to be him.
I want to do my own thing. I don't want to play like him or wear his number 10 or anything like that.
REPORT: HANSI FLICK RELEGATES MARC-ANDRé TER STEGEN TO THIRD CHOICE; GIRONA MOVE NOW HIGHLY LIKELY
Girona are planning a shock January loan for Marc-André ter Stegen. Can the Catalan side agree on wages with Barcelona today?
Girona's management is planning to sign a big La Liga player: Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen.
Mundo Deportivo recently reported Girona's surprising interest, saying they're ready to get the German keeper this winter if they get a chance.
Signing a player like him costs a lot, but Girona is determined to do what it takes to make their team stronger. They can't afford to buy him outright, so they're looking at a loan. For that to happen, either Ter Stegen or Barcelona needs to give up quite a bit of money.
Girona thinks the 33-year-old German would quickly fix their goalie problem. They're hoping his presence will steady the defense and bring leadership.
The report also mentions that the player is open to the move. At 33, he needs to play every week to stay the starting goalie for Germany in the next World Cup.
Barcelona seems okay with letting him go for a while, but the money is still the issue. Girona just can't afford his full salary without help.
It all depends on two things: Barcelona will have to pay part of his wages, or Ter Stegen must take a pay cut to join Estadi Montilivi. Previous reports said Barcelona doesn't want to force their captain out. Aston Villa has also reportedly reached out to the German.
Barcelona should value the player more than his salary.
Barcelona needs to be smart about this. They need to protect their finances while taking care of a club legend who still has a lot of value. There's no point in keeping a top earner on the bench. Instead, the team should make the loan happen to keep him in shape all season.
If the German just sits around, his transfer value will drop. The club would also lose their advantage when it's time to sell him later. Joan Laporta and Deco should work out a deal where they cover some of his pay. They should view that cost as an investment to keep his value high, not just waste money.
Looking ahead, this move seems like the end of Ter Stegen's time at Camp Nou. If he leaves now, it clearly shows that Barcelona is moving on to younger goalies. The clubs will probably find a compromise on the wages soon. Everyone wants this to happen. Girona gets a top-notch goalie, Barcelona eases some tension in the locker room, and Ter Stegen gets to chase his World Cup dreams.
BARCELONA MOVE FOR FORMER LA MASIA STAR ADRIAN BERNABé BEFORE VALUE SKYROCKETS
Barcelona is eyeing a reunion with La Masia graduate Adrian Bernabé. Discover how the Parma star became an affordable target.
Barcelona is super aware that money is tight, and they can't just sign anyone they want. They need to be smart about who they bring in, focusing on players who won't break the bank and who will fit how the team plays.
With this in mind, Barca has been watching a familiar face: Adrian Bernabe. He used to play in Barca's youth system and has been doing well in Italy, according to Fichajes.
The club thinks he's grown into a player who would do well in their current system. At 24, he's a key player for Parma and could be a good addition to the team.
Bernabe is mainly a central midfielder. He left Barcelona for Manchester City back in 2018, hoping to learn a lot. He played a bit under Pep Guardiola but didn't get a ton of playing time because of the competition.
That's why he moved to Parma in 2021, which seemed like a step down at the time. But it was a good move. Parma trusted him and gave him a big role, which helped him grow.
He really stepped up as a leader, running the midfield and controlling the game. He was a big part of Parma getting promoted to Serie A, and this season he's been playing great.
Barcelona likes Bernabe because he's got skills, vision, and understands how to play his position. He's good at moving the ball, making smart passes, and playing with discipline. Plus, he can shoot from far out and is good on set pieces, which is a bonus.
This wouldn't be a huge signing, but it fits with what Barcelona is trying to do right now, which is get players who are ready to play right away without costing too much. The fact that Bernabe came up through La Masia and played under Guardiola is a plus.
He's got a contract with Parma until 2027, so Barca would have to talk to them to make a deal. Still, his age, how much he makes, and his familiarity with Barcelona's style of play make him an affordable option.
Apparently, people close to Bernabe are happy about Barcelona's interest, but there's no rush to make anything happen just yet.
Barcelona will keep watching him as things progress. Bringing back a former player who has developed somewhere else would suit the club's current plans.
They're definitely interested; they like what he can do, and he's still an option as Barcelona tries to strengthen the team without losing sight of their values.