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On Tuesday, May 6, 2018, this is the situation:
Portraits of young genius are a part of the picture of greatness before greatness. The boy with the indie-band bangs celebrating on Ronaldinho’s back, the bleach-blonde teen with blaugrana braces leaving a trail of Inter defenders in his wake.
Lionel Messi’s first goal for Barcelona came on Wednesday, almost 20 years apart from Lamine Yamal’s sensational Champions League semi-final strike on his 100th appearance for the Catalan giants.
Yamal, a month younger than Messi was when he lobbed the goalkeeper from Ronaldinho’s scooped assist to become La Liga’s youngest scorer in 2005, has already won a European Championship with Spain and a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Super Cup with Barcelona.
Before his stunning individual performance against Inter, the forward said, “I don’t want to compare myself to the best player in football’s history,” but it’s only natural to speculate about how he can imitate Messi.
The stats show Yamal’s trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is going up faster than either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yamal turned 18 just two months shy of the halfway mark in his Barcelona debut. By the same age, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting.
Yamal has 22 goals and 27 assists to his name, along with four more goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18.
Messi, who made his Barcelona debut at age 16, didn’t realize he had reached the milestone with a 41-goal scoring debut until shortly before his 21st birthday.
But they were the first of an incredible 672 for the club, to complement the eight Ballon d’Ors, one World Cup, two Copas America, four Champions Leagues and a huge haul of domestic silverware.
Messi was the 13-year-old boy who needed growth hormone therapy after being diagnosed with autism because he “said nothing to us for the first month” with team-mates at La Masia. Gerard Pique revealed that Messi was the same child who, according to Gerard Pique, “needed no growth hormone treatment.”
“Messi was always very cautious in the way he approached things – rivals, team-mates, managers – always very respectful”, explains Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
He would be the one who gave those who came in, though. If they were from the lower ranks, he would protect them but push them.
Neymar received the message, “You are Brazilian, we know you enjoy expressing yourself well, but there are certain things you must do here to become a significant player for Barcelona.”
Yamal grew up around 20 miles along the coast from the Nou Camp between the city of Granollers, where his mother lived, and Mataro, where his father was. In the Mataro neighborhood of Rocafonda, he celebrates by entering the postcode 304 with his fingers.
Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007. That child was training with the club seven years later. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca were already comparing him to Messi.
Yamal was even brought to La Masia by Barcelona, where players from other countries typically get their rooms and taxis for local kids. Just over three years after moving in, Yamal made his debut against Real Betis.
Yamal has since purchased an apartment close to the training facility and since left the Barcelona residence.
” Lamine Yamal couldn’t have been more different to Lionel Messi, “says Balague”. He enjoyed making jokes in the changing rooms and expressing himself since he was a child.
“The fact his parents separated a long time ago and his mother has been the lighthouse in terms of values and behaviour, his father is almost more like a friend – that allowed a player like him to have the freedom to go beyond what is expected.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a good illustration of this; he had no references, believed he could fly, and was the best person in the world, and no one ever told him to “no, you have to go to university, etc.”
Balague describes Yamal as” completely fearless”, which came across in Yamal’s first news conference before last week’s 3-3 Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Inter.
Before responding to those who criticized his celebrations following Barca’s Copa del Rey victory against Real Madrid last month, Yamal said, “I left all my fears in the park of my neighbourhood.” While I keep winning, they can’t say much. “
“I’ve never heard that,” says Balague. It is very much like Cristiano Ronaldo behaviour – thinking ‘ I am the best, so it is not a problem’. But there are many ways that he can still be a child.
Balague says when the electricity went down in Spain last week, Yamal, Gavi and Fermin Lopez took the opportunity to stroll around town with their hoodies on, before they were spotted.
The late Kobe Bryant once told a story about Ronaldinho introducing him to a player he said would be the greatest of all time”. What are you? You are the best, “replied the basketball star”. No, Ronaldinho remarked. This kid here is going to be the best. “
Even though Messi was 17 years old, those around him already knew that a star was in his sight.
He joined a squad containing World Cup winners Ronaldinho, Juliano Belletti and Edmilson, stars such as Samuel Eto’o and Deco, and homegrown gems Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes and Xavi.
Barcelona’s first victory in Europe’s elite competition since 1992 came in the form of La Liga and the Champions League, despite Messi’s injury-related absence from the final.
” We won the Champions League and La Liga with Ronaldinho in his prime, “says Van Bommel”. He was able to do everything on his own because of his level. We could just defend and let him inspire the attack, we knew we would win every game. “
It’s difficult to compare players from different eras, of course. Yamal has emerged at a different Barcelona, where the club’s financial situation has prompted them to turn again to their esteemed youth system.
Yamal made his first start after Ousmane Dembele left for Paris St-Germain and Raphinha was suspended for the second game of the previous season. Now he is the star.
Yamal has scored five goals in the Champions League this season, and his 44 shots and 78 dribbles rank among the most records for a teenager in a campaign.
The earliest such data available on Messi is from 2006-07, when he was 19 and made 21 dribbles at a rate of 4.9 per 90 minutes, compared to Yamal’s 7.2 this term. However, Messi’s performance at Barcelona fell just three times between his first and last seasons’ averages in Europe.
Messi missed a chunk of that 2006-07 season with a metatarsal fracture but still clocked up 26 La Liga appearances, scoring 14 goals with a shot conversion rate of 23% and creating 38 chances, which led to two assists.
Yamal, who is two years younger, has played in 31 league games this season, has six goals, has 12 assists, and has 57 chances in his absence, but he has converted for 5% and has almost twice as many shots as Messi.
” What we are seeing from Lamine Yamal is extraordinary and the impact it has had in world football is completely out of the ordinary and unexpected, “says Balague.
That is a question only time can answer.
We must say that, in the present, he is ahead of Messi, Balague says. But to be 15 years right at the top, influencing every final he played, that is something that requires a lot of consistency, luck and a strong mentality for when things go wrong.
“Everything is going well right now, and Lamine’s impact is the best. He makes us eager to watch Barcelona and look forward to seeing him.” He lifts us from our seats, makes us shout and scream when he does something”.
Moral can recall seeing Yamal decide the youth cup finals, including the one against Real Madrid that he personally won. Now he is doing it on the grandest stage.
Who expects a 16-year-old boy to play in the first division, the second division, and the Euros in the summer, just like he did the other day? he says.
“This kid is unbelievable,” he says. Honestly, I don’t know where his top is, but we are in front of one of the greatest players in the future, I am sure.
Van Bommel says Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League success” was the beginning of the Messi era”, one built around La Masia talent with Messi at its fore. Yamal may now have a chance to instigate the most recent generation of young stars into a new dynasty.
It’s what Moral and others who coached at La Masia have been waiting to see come to fruition.
We assured ourselves that it would never occur again. And look, 10 years later, we are in the same situation, “he beams, recalling watching Yamal, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi, and says there are more to come.
You experience something special as a coach when they touch the ball. Lamine, pfft, if one player at 12 years old has the capacity to make you crazy in training, it’s like ‘ wow! ‘
Barcelona is making a lot of money: they invest in La Masia, players, and highly skilled coaches. Now it is normal to see players of 16, 17, 18 years old, which is unbelievable.
“Xavi was either 26 or 27 years old when he was at the top level.” These guys are 17 or 18 years old so imagine in 10 years where they can arrive? “
The 17-year-old Yamal is the star of this generation, a world-bester.
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Watch highlights of every Champions League game on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, and the BBC Sport website and app from 12:00 to eve of the match.
Hailey Bieber was left to walk the Met Gala red carpet alone after husband Justin opted against attending. Hailey didn’t seem to be affected by her man’s decision, though, as she flaunted her fantastic look on at the iconic annual bash.
As she arrived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, socialite Hailey exuded glamour in a classic black blazer. As she posed for the crowd of photographers on the red carpet, Hailey braved the heat of New York while wearing a blazer that was high on her thighs.
Hailey cut her hair into loose waves, cascading freely down her back and shoulders, keeping her classical appearance to a minimum. She adorned her look with stunning silver jewelry and large diamond rings that can be seen on her fingers while her neckline is adorned with diamonds.
In connection with the Costume’s Institute’s landmark new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the theme for this year’s gala is “T Tailored for You.”
Hailey had been spotted earlier in the day out and about in the Big Apple in a sexy maid-esque mini dress and heels. Justin was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he took to Instagram to show off a golf trip.
Her solo appearance at the glitzy event comes after fans were left concerned over her husband’s his alleged drug use in recent months as well as fears for their marriage. Justin has previously been open about his struggles in the past and in an episode of Justin Bieber: Seasons, he confessed that he started using marijuana when he was only “12 or 13.”
Justin’s drug use grew to “pretty heavy drugs,” with the star also using alcohol as a coping mechanism. He began working on sobriety in 2021, worried that because of his years of problems he was “dieing.”
In recent weeks, Justin has sparked concern again after a series of social media snaps. Back in March, he shared six very similar photos of himself appearing to use a bong to smoke marijuana.
Justin has since taken to Instagram, sharing a photo of Australian singer Eddie Benjamin while sat on an acoustic guitar. While seated in an open doorway, the Baby hitmaker appeared to be using what appeared to be a glass bong, which was visible in the background of the photo.
Another picture from the same day showed Justin, who shares 10-month old son Jack Blues with Hailey, stood in a red hoodie next to Eddie, with the large glass bong on the floor next to him.
His fans, who have been vocal about their concern for the star, didn’t notice the apparent bong. One person responded, “That’s a huge bong.” “The Bong in the background,” another phrase, was added.
Someone else said, “I can only see a few potheads.” Never believed Justin Bieber to be better than that. Keep it a secret from the general public at least. You are failing to set a good example for your young supporters. Your standards seem low.
Despite the alarming content, however, Justin’s reps said rumours of him using hard drugs were “absolutely not true,” and that he was “simply in one of the best places in his life”.
Justin’s rep told TMZ that as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him, the past year has been “very transformative for him.”
Fans’ concerns about his physical and mental health are “exhausting and pitiful,” they continued, and it shows how committed people are to keeping negative, salacious, and harmful stories alive.
Hailey and Justin have also faced claims of strains on their marriage amid the concern from fans. In recent months, speculation surrounding their marriage has been rife, with reports suggesting that they are heading for divorce.
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CBB: Bradley Riches discusses his covert eviction.
Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches is about to embark on a new chapter of his career – by joining one of the biggest soaps in Britain. Making his Emmerdale debut on Monday as Lewis Barton, Bradley will be introduced to a whole new audience and, as he exclusively tells OK!, he cannot wait.
The 23-year-old is set to marry fiancé Scott Johnston next year, after a romantic proposal from Scott in Sorrento in Italy last April. Here, Bradley opens up about why they’ve had to change their original wedding plans – and how “surreal” it is hanging out with the telly icons he grew up with while watching the soap with his grandad…
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Hello, Bradley! How are Scott’s wedding plans going?
The venue is a lovely English manor house for April 20. Fun fact: we were considering getting married in Italy last year and had found a lovely location there. However, when we looked into it, we learned that same-sex couples couldn’t get married in Italy, which I didn’t know. Those plans were quickly abandoned, therefore.
You’ll need to invite a lot of famous people…
Oh I know – my Heartstopper crew, my friends from Celebrity Big Brother and I’ll probably end up inviting the whole Emmerdale cast. I’ll have been filming for over a year by then. So, yes, we’ll definitely need to expand the guest list.
Why do you and Scott collaborate so well?
We both have a strong personality, but we’re so different from one another. He delivers on point and has a brilliantly dry sense of humor. In five minutes, he will say something significant, while I could go through the entire garbage.
Congratulations on joining the Emmerdale cast!
Such a “Oh my God” moment! moment . My grandpa Peter enjoyed this soap the most. Emmerdale has always been a special place to me. Perhaps it was his final gift. He would have been buzzing all day. When my parents informed him that I had entered Emil Dale, he said, “What? ” When I went there, he said, “What? When will he appear on television?” It seems like it was planned for.
Tell us more about your persona…
I’m playing Lewis Barton – I’m a Barton boy. My mum was Emma Barton. Ross and I share the same mum. Emma was killed some years ago by Moira Dingle, who is like a second mum to Ross. I reach out to him to say I’d love to meet him and know more about my mum. But when we meet, we don’t see eye to eye. I’m very to-the-point and have a thousand questions I want answered, which scares Ross. So they really don’t create that brotherly bond and I leave. Obviously, I return! For Lewis, expect the unexpected – he’s got a few secrets up his sleeve.
Have other cast members welcomed guests?
Oh no, they do, it’s a nice family, I suppose. This program has a lot of icons. It’s completely unbelievable to bump into them on set. Michael Parr, who plays Ross, and Mike have a special relationship. Our first five weeks were just two of us. He and I are like brothers, and he is very protective of me. He says, “You’re now under my wing”! which is so lovely. Some people were a little hostile when I was revealed my role, and he said, “Nah, this is not happening. I’ve met people like Lisa Riley as time goes on. Although we haven’t yet filmed together, we are always working on makeup. She is such a fun, happy person to be around and has the best music.
What do you think about the negative feedback about your casting?
You’ve always got that to happen in this industry, which is disappointing. Some people won’t like it because I’m my true and authentic self. I was anticipating it: a happy, gay, autistic person, delighted to have a new job. Naturally, that has a negative component within it. However, a lot of optimism drowned it out. I’m having a truly amazing time. No one will stop me from having this experience.
Walking onto such a well-known set made you nervous?
I was very anxious. My first day of work involved filming at the Dingles’ home. It really hit home for me to be on that recognizable set that I’ve seen for years. I wish I had captured Lewis and Ross’s first meeting [on the first day] because it was odd to film things that weren’t in sync at first. The nerves between Lewis and Bradley might have been a fusion. I spilt my coffee down my costume as soon as the driver arrived for our first scene while we were driving to the location. Although they were so lovely, I had feared the costumers would be so enraged. That caused the nerves to relax.
Without a selfie request, you won’t be able to purchase milk soon.
Ha, I think it’s great that I’ll be introduced to a whole new demographic following Heartstopper, who have probably not seen me on-screen before. That is weird. After Celebrity Big Brother, I remember a builder stopped and said, “Ah you’re Bradley – I really wanted you to win.” Reaching new audiences is nerve-wracking but exciting too.
How did this year’s show differ from last year’s Celebrity Big Brother?
very different . There wasn’t that level of drama, which could have been the result of our excessive enjoyment. There were obvious, wonderful friendships in our series, but I couldn’t determine whether or not they were true. That bond was shared by Chris [Hughes] and JoJo [Siwa], but it wasn’t shared by anyone else. However, it was very entertaining.
What were your thoughts on Mickey Rourke?
How has this man not been expunged after watching his conversation with JoJo and the homophobia? Horrible . However, I do believe that he would have started a long learning curve if he hadn’t left. Even he inquired as to what pronouns Danny Beard needed to use. He might have opened his eyes. He deceived himself, though.
Have any burning goals in mind?
I’m learning so much on Emmerdale and it’s so fast-paced, I’m happy to be doing this. I’d love to do Strictly one day, though!
Emmerdale, Monday through Friday, 7 p.m., on ITV1 and ITVX.
The exact locations and causes of the massive fire and explosions in Port Sudan’s previously quiet city have not been known, despite the country’s civil war’s ongoing quake.
In the city’s immediate vicinity of the country’s largest maritime port, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge, dark smoke came out of clouds.
Residents of the port city reported that attack drones launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit a fuel depot and other targets, according to Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, a reporter from Khartoum, in Sudan.
Residents “believe that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces carried out drone strikes once more,” they claim. They “targeted a fuel depot in the city, as well as the port and the air base,” Morgan said.
The Sudanese army and the RSF conflict has led to the worst humanitarian crisis in history, one that is likely to get worse with these most recent attacks on Port Sudan, where UN and aid organizations have headquarters, as well as army-aligned government ministries.
The Red Sea coastal city’s attacks on Sunday marked a sharp increase in fighting, as ground or air attacks had never been carried out in Port Sudan up until this week.
A drone strike on Sunday caused the city’s only fully operational international airport to be close to the country’s only functioning airport. On Monday, the city targeted its fuel depots. Military sources gave the RSF the blame in both instances.
An army depot and an aircraft depot were destroyed in the RSF-controlled Nyala airport, according to a military source. The attacks were not caused by the RSF.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia’s neighbors have condemned the attacks this week, and the UN has expressed concern.
A dispute over a transition to civilian government sparked the army and RSF’s civil war that broke out in April 2023.