“I’ve never had a conversation with Messi and can’t aspire to be like him,” stated Lamine Yamal.

Spain’s emerging talent, Lamine Yamal, has clarified that he has never discussed with Lionel Messi the viral photo depicting Messi bathing him when he was a toddler.

The images resurfaced as Yamal gained attention for his performances with La Roja at Euro 2024.

In an interview with Jijantes FC, Yamal addressed the photo controversy, stating, “I have never spoken to Messi about the picture where he was bathing me. At the time of that photo with Messi, I was obviously not aware.”

Yamal explained that his father had kept the photo private, primarily to avoid comparisons, which he believes are not beneficial.

As both players made their mark at Barcelona, comparisons between Yamal, 17, and Messi naturally arose. However, Yamal humbly acknowledged that matching the achievements of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is an unrealistic goal.

“No one likes being compared to the greatest player in history. But these comparisons will always exist because I will never reach his level,” Yamal admitted.