Yamal must work hard to top Messi, says Barca coach Flick

His performance has also gained him praise worldwide

Football - Champions League - Semi Final - First Leg - FC Barcelona v Inter Milan - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - Apr 30, 2025 FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Albert Gea

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has praised Lamine Yamal’s performance but urged him to keep working hard to replicate it after the Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan.

Yamal’s spectacular performance has earned praise around the globe as Barca fought back to draw 3-3 against Milan on Wednesday, ESPN reported.

Ahead of the LaLiga game, Flick said: “He knows what I want from him. When you’re capable of playing at that level, you have to prove it again. It’s not just about one game.

“It’s not only about talent either. When you want to reach the level of Ronaldo and Messi, effort also matters.

“We are really happy that he's playing with us and he's on this level at 17.”

Yamal, who has 15 goals and 24 assists this season, is one of many players who may be rested when Barça travels to Valladolid, who are at the bottom of the La Liga standings, on Saturday.

Flick said there will be changes with the second leg against Inter, with goalie and captain Marc-André ter Stegen expected to make his first appearance since his injury in September.