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'New Messi' Propels Barcelona to Champions League Quarter-Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 7:38 PM ET

Barcelona’s return to the Champions League quarter-finals was impressive, but the biggest storyline of the night belonged to Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old shattered records, becoming the youngest player ever to score and assist in a Champions League match as Barcelona took down Benfica 3-1, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Yamal’s night started with an assist to Raphinha, setting the tone for the Blaugrana’s attack. But it was his own goal that truly made headlines, marking another milestone in his already electric young career. His performance quickly reignited comparisons to Lionel Messi, who also rose through Barcelona’s academy before becoming one of the greatest players of all time.

Yamal Breaks Champions League Record

The teenager’s performance didn’t just help Barcelona advance—it etched his name into the Champions League history books. At just 17 years and 241 days old, Yamal became the youngest player ever to both score and assist in a Champions League match, surpassing previous records set by other rising stars. His quick decision-making and ability to create scoring chances made him one of the standout performers of the night.

Fans and analysts have been quick to draw parallels between Yamal and Messi, pointing to his technical ability, confidence on the ball, and natural attacking instincts. While it’s still early in his career, his performance against Benfica only strengthened the belief that he could follow in the footsteps of the Argentine legend.

LAMINE YAMAL STUNS BENFICA...AGAIN pic.twitter.com/Jr6XPl9p6D
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2025

How Far Can Barcelona Go?

With a quarter-final berth secured, the focus now shifts to Barcelona’s next challenge. Yamal’s rise has been one of the most exciting stories in European football, and if his performance against Benfica was any indication, he may be ready to lead the club on the biggest stage.

At just 17, Yamal is already proving that he belongs among Europe’s elite. And with Barcelona gaining momentum, the best may still be yet to come.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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