Lamine Yamal pays tribute to Messi and rediscovers his smile for Barcelona | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal marked the day Leo Messi stepped away from Argentina duty with a left-foot finish that felt like a tribute, as Barcelona’s prodigy rediscovered his smile. According to Superdeporte, Hansi Flick had already said the teenager was back in rhythm.

Starting on the wing against Rayo Vallecano, he rode Barcelona’s uneven opening as the team found its flow. Raphinha struck first, thriving as the new nine.

On 21 minutes, Yamal burst in behind and produced a lofted, angled shot that crept into the far corner. He slid across the Camp Nou turf, kissed the badge and pointed to the stand.

On the bench, centre-back Rodri looked stunned, his reaction quickly turned into a meme that summed up watching Yamal at full tilt.

The finish came off his left, like Messi, a flourish only the chosen few attempt. For many supporters, it felt like the magician they had missed was back.

That goal made Yamal the youngest player in the history of the big five leagues to reach 50 goals, surpassing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. He first appeared for Barcelona on 29 April 2023 at 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, and at 19 his extraordinary now feels almost routine.

Source: Superdeporte

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