Lamine Yamal has now registered 80 goal contributions for Barcelona, prompting comparisons with one of the club’s greatest legends: Lionel Messi. But did the teenage sensation reach that milestone faster than Messi did? A look at the numbers tells the story.
Barcelona’s young star netted his 35th goal for the club during a 2–0 victory over Racing in the Copa del Rey, sealing the win with a composed finish deep into stoppage time. With Real Madrid already eliminated, Hansi Flick’s side are now widely seen as the leading contenders to lift the trophy once again.
Operating from the right flank, Yamal was a constant threat throughout the match and capped off an impressive performance with his late goal in the 95th minute. Combined with his 45 assists, the teenager has now reached the 80 goal involvement mark in just 130 senior appearances for Barcelona.
That means Yamal is currently averaging a goal contribution every 118.6 minutes, while also ranking as the most effective dribbler in Europe based on statistical data.
Interestingly, Messi also reached his 80th goal contribution for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, during a match against Benidorm FC in November 2008. However, the Argentine achieved the milestone in 124 games, reaching it six matches sooner than Yamal.
At the same stage, Messi was averaging a goal contribution every 105 minutes, slightly outperforming Yamal’s current rate. The nature of their contributions also differs: Yamal’s early numbers lean more heavily toward assists, while Messi’s were more goal-oriented. By that point in his career, Messi had scored 53 goals and provided 27 assists, whereas Yamal has scored fewer goals but delivered significantly more assists.
Given that Messi would go on to become the most prolific assist provider in football history, Yamal could theoretically challenge that record—provided he maintains this level of performance over the next decade and beyond, which is no easy task.
While Messi edges the statistical comparison, it’s important to consider context. When Messi reached 80 goal contributions, he was already 21 years old, nearly three years older than Yamal is now. Additionally, Messi’s integration into the first team was gradual, whereas Yamal has been thrust straight into Barcelona’s starting lineup from the outset.
Even Messi himself has acknowledged the resemblance. When asked to name a young player who reminds him of his younger self, the Argentine legend pointed to Yamal.
“There’s a very good generation of young footballers with many years ahead of them,” Messi said. “If I have to choose someone, because of his age and his future, I’ve heard that Lamine Yamal has been chosen—and without doubt, for me, it’s him too.”
