⚽ Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi at 17

In the storied halls of La Masia — FC Barcelona’s famed academy — a rare kind of magic is occasionally born. In 2004, that magic introduced the world to Lionel Messi, a shy Argentine teenager with a left foot destined for greatness. Nearly two decades later, another spark has caught fire: Lamine Yamal, a Barcelona-born phenom carrying the hopes of a new generation.

Both debuted before turning 18. Both showed glimpses of something extraordinary. But how do they truly compare at the same age?

This is a look at Lamine Yamal vs Lionel Messi — at 17.

🌱 Early Breakthroughs: The Debut Years

Lionel Messi made his senior debut for Barcelona in October 2004, at just 17 years and 3 months old. That season, he made only nine first-team appearances and scored one goal. He was clearly a star in the making, but at the time, Barcelona’s roster was stacked with global icons like Ronaldinho and Eto’o. Messi was still earning his minutes and waiting patiently for his big break.

Lamine Yamal’s rise has been far more immediate. He made his debut in April 2023, when he was just 15 years and 9 months old—the youngest debutant in Barcelona history. By the time he turned 17 in July 2024, he had already played in more than 40 matches for the first team, across La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey, and had scored at least five senior goals.

That’s not just impressive—it’s unprecedented.

🔍 Style and Maturity on the Pitch

At 17, Messi was pure instinct and improvisation. He stayed wide on the right wing, used his explosive dribbling to beat defenders, and gave fans flashes of brilliance that hinted at the legend he would become. His playing time was limited, but every touch of the ball felt electric.

In contrast, Lamine Yamal plays with astonishing maturity. He doesn’t just dribble past defenders—he scans the pitch, makes intelligent decisions, and controls the tempo of matches. Despite his age, he’s often a key outlet in buildup play and is trusted in big games. He creates chances as often as he finishes them and isn’t afraid to take responsibility in tight moments.

🌍 International Recognition

By the age of 17, Messi had not yet debuted for Argentina’s senior team. He was still part of the youth setup and would go on to make his full international debut a few months after turning 18.

Lamine Yamal, on the other hand, is already a Spanish international. He made his senior debut at just 16 years old and quickly became Spain’s youngest-ever goal scorer. By early 2025, he had earned at least six caps for the national team and had scored two goals, including in crucial Euro qualifiers. He’s widely expected to be part of Spain’s EURO 2024 squad, a remarkable achievement for someone still in his teens.

🏁 The Bigger Picture

So who was better at 17?

In terms of first-team impact, international exposure, and overall maturity, Lamine Yamal is clearly ahead of where Messi was at the same age. He’s not just a promising talent—he’s already a central figure for both Barcelona and Spain.

But when it comes to raw, once-in-a-generation potential, Messi’s early years showed glimpses of the supernatural. The numbers don’t capture the feeling fans had when they first saw him play—he was magic in motion, even when he had barely started.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Comparing Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi is thrilling—but also risky. Messi didn’t just break records—he redefined what was possible in football. His story is still the gold standard.

But Yamal is carving his own path, with a unique blend of intelligence, confidence, and skill. The fact that he’s being mentioned in the same breath as Messi at all tells you how special he already is.

He may not be “the next Messi.”

He’s the first Lamine Yamal.

And that might be just as exciting.