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Ronaldo failed in the AFC Champions League. |
As the triumphant music resounded at Montjuïc Stadium last night, Barcelona fans witnessed something extraordinary: 17-year-old Lamine Yamal officially asserted his position on Europe's most prestigious stage. And remarkably, this moment happened on the same day that both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - two legends who have dominated world football for the past two decades - were drowned in defeat in continental competitions.
When the sunset covers two stars
In the AFC Champions League semi-finals, Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr suffered a bitter 2-3 defeat against Kawasaki Frontale. At the age of 40, CR7 played poorly, no longer maintaining his peak form. The dazed look and heavy gait after the match were rare images of the Portuguese superstar.
Just a few hours later, in North America, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was also "destroyed" by Vancouver Whitecaps with a total score of 1-5 after two legs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals. The 2022 World Cup champion quietly left the field, leaving no significant mark: no goals, no assists, not even Messi's trademark breakthroughs.
The world of football is witnessing a remarkable moment: when two of its brightest stars are fading, a new one is ready to shine. His 100th match in a Barcelona shirt. A Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan. This is the perfect stage for Lamine Yamal to showcase his extraordinary talent.
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Messi also stopped at the CONCACAF Champions Cup. |
With his hair dyed blond, inspired by the character Goku from “Dragon Ball Z,” Yamal made the Montjuïc Stadium his own playground. Every dribble he made sent Inter’s defense reeling. Every pass was exquisite. And when the goal came, all of Europe stood up and applauded.
That goal - his 22nd for Barca - was more than just a strike. It was a statement: a new era was beginning.
Surpassed both Messi and Ronaldo at the age of 17
The numbers don't lie. At 17, Messi had only scored one goal for Barcelona. Ronaldo had scored five for Sporting Lisbon. But Yamal, at the same age, had 22 goals and 33 assists in 100 games.
Messi didn't reach 100 games until he was 20 and had a total of 55 goal involvements. Yamal far surpasses that with 22 goals and 33 assists - that's 55 goals.
"I don't want to compare myself to anyone, especially not Messi," Yamal said modestly in a press conference before the match against Inter. But it was his performances that made people think of "La Pulga" of the past. Speed, technique, tactical vision and especially the rare composure at the age of 17 - all reminded of a young Messi.
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Yamal shines brightly in the UEFA Champions League. |
While Kylian Mbappe - who was once expected to be the successor to Messi and Ronaldo - is experiencing difficulties and failures in the Champions League, Yamal is showing a perfect version of a superstar. This season, Mbappe and Real Madrid stopped in the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal.
World football is witnessing a clear shift of power. It is no coincidence that Yamal shined on the day Messi and Ronaldo both lost. It was a clear message: a new era has begun.
What future for the 17 year old boy?
With a smile that shines through his braces, Yamal is becoming a new icon of world football. He is not only the future of Barcelona and the Spanish national team, but also the future of football as a whole.
"Can Lamine Yamal surpass Messi and Ronaldo?" - this question is gradually replacing the question "Who can replace Messi and Ronaldo?" in football discussions.
The answers remain to be seen. But what we do know is this: Yamal is writing his own story. And last night in Montjuïc, we saw a new chapter begin.
As Messi and Ronaldo draw the final pages of their illustrious careers, Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old with magical feet and a fierce heart, is ready to usher in his own era. And perhaps, it will be an equally brilliant era.
Source: https://znews.vn/yamal-buoc-len-messi-va-ronaldo-dan-lui-lai-post1550294.html
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