Lamine Yamal dismisses 'young Lionel Messi' comparison after 'sensational' goal against Club Brugge

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Lamine Yamal rejected comparisons with Lionel Messi after scoring a sensational goal against Club Brugge, insisting he needs to forge his own path. The Spanish forward's finish helped Barca come from behind to draw 3-3 with their Belgian rivals. The La Liga giants are now 11th in the table in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, while Club Brugge are in 22nd.

Yamal drags Barca level with 'moment of pure individual brilliance'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Lamine Yamal rejected comparisons with Lionel Messi after scoring a sensational goal in Barcelona's 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

The Belgian side were 2-1 up at half-time after fine finishes from Nicolo Tresoldi and Carlos Forbs, with Ferran Torres getting one back for the La Liga side.

However, Yamal cut through the Club Brugge defence like a knife through butter after the break to get Barca back on level terms.

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The goal was called a "'moment of pure individual brilliance" while TNT Sports commentator Andy Townsend likened the teenager to a "young Lionel Messi" and said the effort was "sensational".

"I can't compare myself to Messi," said Yamal afterwards.

"He's scored a thousand goals like that, I have to forge my own path."

Yamal has scored five goals and produced five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions this season despite suffering from pubalgia, which is a chronic groin issue.

He suggested that media speculation about the injury was overblown after the 3-3 draw in Belgium.

Highlights: Chaos at Club Brugge as Barca escape with a point

Video credit: TNT Sports

"There has been a lot of talk about my pubalgia and that I was sad," he said.

"It was all lies. I wanted to try to get back to work to play at this level, which is when I feel best and enjoy myself the most."

The 18-year-old received a frosty reception from the fans, a reflection of just how important a player he has become for his side.

Yamal believes that being booed by opposition fans is normal when you are doing your job well.

"I try my best," he added. It was a very quick play and Fermin backheeled it to me. I'm glad we couldn't get the win. Let's hope for next time.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that they boo me, they don't boo other players.

"If they boo me, it's because they know I do my job well on the pitch. I'm not worried about it.

"We knew they were a strong team and it was a tough place to play. But it's hard to win when you concede three goals. We have to improve on that."

Barcelona's next Champions League fixture is against Chelsea on November 25.

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