Yamal urged not to compare him with Messi. Today the Spanish prodigy celebrates his 17th birthday

Few can argue that Lamine Yamal has become one of the most talked-about footballers of our time. At just 16 years old, he has confidently secured a place in both Barcelona's starting lineup and the Spanish national team.

He already holds several records. At the current Euro, he became the youngest player and goal scorer in the tournament's history.

Today, the Spanish prodigy celebrates his 17th birthday and shared that he not only receives gifts but also gives them. In an interview with Marca, he talked about exchanging shirts with Mbappé after the semi-final and with Chiesa after the match against Italy.

"Mbappé asked me for it. Well, the person in charge of the kit in the locker room asked on his behalf. Chiesa also asked after the match against Italy. If Mbappé asks me again, I'll give it to him without any problem. I don't know how many shirts I have."

Yamal was also asked about comparisons to the legendary Argentine Lionel Messi. The young Spaniard asked not to make such comparisons, as he believes he will never be like Messi.

"I try to be Lamine. I try to be recognized for who I am. In the end, comparing yourself to the best player in history is something that won't help you because I'll never be like him. I try to be myself so people recognize me as Lamine Yamal, and that's it."

Let's recall that Yamal, along with the Spanish national team, will play in the Euro 2024 final tomorrow. In the last stage of the tournament, they will face England. If Yamal takes to the field in this match, he will set another record – becoming the youngest player in the history of the Euros. The current record belongs to Renato Sanches, who took to the field for Portugal in 2016 at the age of 18 years and 328 days.

And if Yamal manages to score in the final, he will also become the youngest goal scorer in a continental championship final. The current record belongs to Pietro Anastasi, who scored for Italy against Yugoslavia at Euro 1968 at the age of 20 years and 63 days.