BARCELONA, Spain — Lautaro Martínez, the Inter Milan striker, don talk say make no one compare Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi ahead of their Champions League semifinal clash. Martínez praised Yamal but emphasized that Messi stands alone as the greatest. He spoke during a pre-match press conference on April 29, 2025.
Martínez said, “For me, Leo has no comparison, because he is and will always be the best of all time. I will not make that comparison. Lamine is an important player doing a great job at a young age; he has won titles and has a bright future ahead.”
The Argentine forward noted that Inter must put in a solid defensive performance against Barcelona, who are currently the highest-scoring team in this season’s Champions League. “We are a team that has defended well against important opponents. We must avoid giving them goal-scoring opportunities,” Martínez stated.
Inter comes into this match after suffering three consecutive losses, including two in the Serie A and one in the Coppa Italia against AC Milan. Despite this recent slump, Martínez remains hopeful, saying the team is strong and united. “In three years, we have reached two Champions League semifinals, which hasn’t happened in many years. We focus on our work and the dream of bringing Inter back to a Champions League final,” he added.
On his individual performance, Martínez acknowledged discussions about the possibility of winning the Ballon d’Or, yet he shifted focus to team success. “Individual awards come from group work. I always think about winning matches for the families of Inter,” he noted.
Head coach Simone Inzaghi sought to shift focus away from their recent defeats, asserting that the upcoming semifinal brings a different type of excitement. “When you have a Champions League semifinal, it cannot be your worst moment of the season. There is a lot of enthusiasm. We need to give more but are excited for the match against what might be the best team in the world,” Inzaghi expressed.
Inzaghi also praised Barcelona’s organization, acknowledging their achievements this season. “They have incredible numbers, have won two titles, and deserve our utmost respect, but we have no fear,” Inzaghi added. Meanwhile, Martínez reflected on his own experiences and pulled inspiration from that iconic match against Barcelona during Josè Mourinho’s tenure. “Heart and grit should always be present,” he emphasized.
Lamine Yamal, for his part, expressed eagerness to participate in his first Champions League semifinal. “I have left fear behind long ago,” Yamal said prior to the match, insisting that he views the game as a new experience. “I don’t feel pressure in these matches; I’m here to enjoy and give my all.”
At only 17, Yamal is set to make history by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for Barcelona, surpassing notable players like Gavi and Ansu Fati. “I really value being motivated and having the continuity I have at this age. Playing at this level with Barcelona is not easy,” he shared.
With both teams highlighting their strengths and challenges, fans eagerly await what will surely be an electrifying encounter in the UEFA Champions League.
