Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s ‘next Messi’ scores on Spain debut aged 16

Lamine Yamal: The Barcelona youngster has been labelled the next Messi. Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal is living up to the hype in being labelled as the latest player to be dubbed the ‘next Lionel Messi’ after the teenager scored on his debut for Spain at the age of just 16. The wonderkid was brought on to make his official debut for the senior national team despite only celebrating his 16th birthday 57 days ago, and he made it a day to remember with a strike in their rout of Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Tbilisi. With Spain already 4-0 up at the break after a double from Alvaro Morata in addition to a Dani Olmo strike and own goal from Solomon Kvirkvelia, head coach Luis de la Fuente looked to his bench to rest his star names. And in doing so, he gave a chance to budding star Lamine Yamal, the latest gem to emerge from the same famed La Masia academy that produced arguably the world’s greatest footballer in Messi. Having been tipped to follow in his footsteps at Barca after making his first-team debut at the age of just 15, Yamal made an immediate impression by finding the net on his debut for La Roja. Lamine Yamal: The 16-year-old scored after coming off the bench. Spain had further extended their led to 6-1 with Morata completing his hat-trick and Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams getting his name on the scoresheet. And when the chance for Yamal to join them arrived, he made absolutely no mistake. Williams ran down the left flank with the ball cut back a low cross which evaded everyone at the near post, except for Yamal. The young winger steadied himself and showed superb technique to curl an unstoppable effort into the far corner to make it seventh heaven for Spain. The youngster celebrated emphatically in the corner as he enjoyed an unforgettable milestone in what promises to be an exciting career. Just by coming off the bench, he had broken the record set by his team-mate Gavi, who was 17 years and 47 days old when he made his debut two years ago. We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time. We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.