Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid hailed as a “once-in-50-years talent”, stunned the world with a sensational performance in the Champions League 2025 semi-final first leg against Inter Milan. At just 17 years old, Yamal is being compared to legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — but he’s already achieving things they only dreamed of at his age.

The Barcelona vs Inter Milan clash ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but it was Yamal who stole the spotlight. Scoring his 22nd goal in what was also his 100th Barcelona appearance, the teenager showcased why he is being touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner and potentially the next Lionel Messi.

Lamine Yamal vs Messi and Ronaldo at 17

A viral stat post-match highlighted Yamal’s meteoric rise:

• Yamal: 22 goals in 100 games at 17

• Messi: 1 goal in 9 games at 17

• Ronaldo: 5 goals in 19 games before turning 18

The performance led to football pundits calling him a “genius”, a “cheat code”, and “unplayable”. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said:

“He’s special, he’s a genius. If it only comes every 50 years like Simone [Inzaghi] said, I’m glad it’s for Barcelona.”

Youngest Champions League Scorer in Semi-Final History

Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final, following earlier records as the youngest to start and score in La Liga and the Euros. His first-half goal came after weaving past multiple defenders and striking with confidence off the far post. Moments later, he nearly scored again with a fierce shot tipped onto the bar by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.

He capped off the night with a clever dummy assist in Barcelona’s third goal, as Raphinha’s long-range strike rebounded off the bar and goalkeeper into the net.

Champions League 2025 Semi-Final Highlights: Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan

The clash itself was an all-time classic:

• Inter Milan led 2-0 through Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries (who scored twice).

• Barcelona clawed back with goals from Yamal, Ferran Torres, and an own goal forced by Raphinha.

• Inter thought they won it through Mkhitaryan, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Despite Dumfries being named man of the match, most of the global buzz surrounded Yamal’s generational display.

Lamine Yamal: Record-Breaking Prodigy

At just 17, Yamal holds numerous records:

• Barcelona’s youngest La Liga player and scorer

• Youngest Champions League starter and knockout scorer

• Youngest player and scorer in Euros history

• Already has 27 assists and helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey 2025 final with two assists in extra time

He even has a surreal backstory with Messi: a photo of baby Yamal being bathed by a 20-year-old Messi at a charity event has resurfaced — a literal passing of the torch.

The Next Lionel Messi?

Yamal told the press:

“I don’t compare myself to anyone, much less Messi. I just want to be myself and enjoy football.”

Yet the comparisons are inevitable. Former stars like Rio Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, and Owen Hargreaves are convinced Yamal is already among the top talents in world football, playing with maturity and flair well beyond his age.

What’s Next for Lamine Yamal?

With the Champions League semi-final second leg at San Siro looming, the football world is watching to see what Yamal will do next. Can the Barcelona wonderkid lead his team to another European final — all before turning 18?