Yamal’s magic gives Barcelona hope of ending decade-long wait for European glory

Barcelona's last appearance in a Champions League final came ten years ago, with Lionel Messi at the heart of their success. Now, a new prodigy is carrying their hopes: Lamine Yamal.

As Hansi Flick's side prepare to host Inter Milan in the first leg of the semi-final on 30 april, all eyes are on the 17-year-old winger, whose mercurial rise has drawn inevitable comparisons to the club's greatest icon.

Back in 2015, Messi famously scored twice against Bayern Munich in a semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou, setting the tone for Barcelona's treble. Yamal isn't yet the finished product in front of goal, but his influence on this Barça team is already undeniable.

Operating from the right flank with a wand of a left foot and freedom to drift inside, Yamal has been a central figure in Barcelona's attacking resurgence under Flick. His impact was evident again in the Copa del Rey final on 26 april, when he provided two assists in a thrilling 3-2 Clasico victory over Real Madrid in Seville.

This season, he has recorded 14 goals and 24 assists in all competitions, building on his standout performances for Spain at Euro 2024. Still only 17 — he turned the age just a day before the Euro final — Yamal has already become an icon in the city.

On matchdays, fans ascend Montjuïc hill towards the Olympic Stadium clad in his No 19 shirt, a sight once reserved for Messi's famous No 10. Unlike Messi's long journey to global stardom, Yamal's emergence has been rapid — and singular.

His Barcelona debut came aged just 15, handed to him by then-coach Xavi in april 2023 against Real Betis. Initially a little overawed by the moment, Yamal quickly settled and never looked back.

"I'm surprised by how incredible the mentality of these young players is," said captain Ronald Araújo recently. "They're so calm… these kids from La Masia, it's remarkable."

Yamal admitted his mother was more anxious than he was when he first started playing at senior level. "My mum is afraid for me when I start, but she supports me a lot," he said in an early interview.

Since then, the nerves have vanished. Even while preparing for his secondary school exams, he was already assuming a creative burden few players his age have ever shouldered.

At Euro 2024 in Germany, his brilliance became global news. On the eve of the final, he scored a stunning goal against France in the semi-final. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente could only say: "We have seen a genius."

Barcelona have felt his absence in matches where he hasn't started. Though Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha lead the goalscoring charts, Yamal's influence — whether through assists, dribbling, or drawing defenders — is often the key to unlocking defences.

"He's like Messi," said former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde earlier this season. "Can he surprise me? No. Everyone knows how good he is — he can dribble past anyone."

In an uncanny twist of fate, a baby photo from 2007 surfaced recently showing Yamal being bathed by Messi, then 20, for a charity calendar. While such imagery adds to the myth, Yamal has been keen to draw a line.

"Messi is the best player in history. Being compared to him means I'm doing things right, but I try to be myself," he said in february.