The 18-year-old winger had effortlessly cut through Blauw-Zwart defenders to equalise for Barcalona in their UEFA Champions League match on Wednesay (05.11.25) - which ended with a 3-3 draw - leading to comparisons to the Argentine legend, 38.

However, Yamal has now rejected these comparisons.

He said after the game: “I can't compare myself to Messi. He's scored a thousand goals like that, I have to forge my own path.”

Yamal has recorded five goals and five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, despite dealing with pubalgia - a chronic groin problem.

After the 3-3 draw with Brugge, he downplayed media reports about the injury, suggesting they had been exaggerated.

He said: “There has been a lot of talk about my pubalgia and that I was sad.

“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.”

When he entered the pitch, Yamal received a frosty reception from home fans at the Jan Breydel Stadium, which he believes means he is doing a good job at Barca.

He said: “I try my best. It was a very quick play and Fermin [Lopez] 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.”

Brugge took an early lead through 21-year-old Nicolo Tresoldi, but Ferran Torres, 25, quickly levelled the score before Carlos Forbs, also 21, restored Brugge’s advantage to make it 2-1 by halftime.

Yamal equalised halfway through the second half, only for Forbs to strike again minutes later to put Brugge back in front.

A late own goal from Brugge’s Christos Tzolis, 23, sealed the 3-3 draw.

Barcelona will next face Chelsea in the Champions League on November 25.