BABY STEPS

Yamal's only a mini Messi

- RYAN TAYLOR

LAMINE YAMAL is unfazed by comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Because in his view, he will never be as good as his idol.

Spanish newspaper SPORT recently published images of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi holding Yamal as a baby but the 17-year-old attacking sensation has always been keen to keep those childhood snaps under wraps.

Yamal said: "I saw the photo for the first time because my father showed it to me but we wanted to avoid comparisons and we did not spread it.

"Comparisons with the best player in history do not bother anyone. They will always remain but ultimately, you will never be like him. I have never spoken to Messi but I hope I can."

The scintillating winger, who is out to stop England ending 58 years of hurt tonight, has put his name up in lights at Euro 2024 after scoring a 25-yard stunner to help eliminate France in the semi-finals.