The photo, taken in 2007, is striking. A 20-year-old Messi, already being hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, gazes smilingly into the eyes of the young baby in his arms.

Less than 17 years later, the infant from that picture scored a historic goal against France in the Euro semi-finals, becoming the youngest male to score in the tournament's entire history.

"There will never be another like Messi," said Lamine Yamal in response to the countless questions about the similarities between himself and the towering Argentine superstar. But he may never escape the comparison.

Some say Yamal may even surpassBe greater than. his legendary idol. After all, Messi never won a major international tournament as a teenager.

The son of a painter and decorator, and a waitress, Lamine Yamal was scouted at six years of age by FC Barcelona before signing for Barcelona's youth academy. "He seemed touched by a magic wand," said family friend and local footballer Inocente Diez.

Since then, he has set record after record. He was the youngest player to play for Barca in a century. He was the youngest ever player in La Liga. He was the youngest player to ever play for Spain, and the youngest to ever score for them too.

Yet close friends and family describe Yamal as quiet and humble. He was even pictured doing his homework in between intensive team training sessions at Euro 2024.

Lionel Messi once claimed that he will only know the sum of his achievements after he has retired. A career cannot be measured before it has ended. And Lamine Yamal is only just getting started.

Is he the new Messi?

Yes! Lamine Yamal is built in Messi's image. The fact that he met Messi by coincidence as a baby and went on to become his peer shows that his destiny is to be one of the greatest players of all time.

No: It is impossible to judge somebody's career when they are just 16. We do not know if Yamal will maintain this standard, let alone improve.