Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old from Barcelona, is living up to the anticipation after scoring on his international debut for Spain. Despite having just turned 16 57 days earlier, the wunderkind—dubbed the “next Lionel Messi”—was selected to play for the senior national team. He also contributed to their annihilation of Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifying match in Tbilisi with a goal, making it a day to remember.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente looked to his bench in order to rest his best players as Spain led 4-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata twice, Dani Olmo, and Solomon Kvirkvelia.

In doing so, he provided a chance to rising star Yamal, the most recent prodigy to come out of the same illustrious La Masia academy that brought us Messi, probably the best footballer in history.

After making his first-team debut at the age of just 15, Yamal was expected to follow in his footsteps at Barca. However, he made an immediate impression by scoring on his La Roja debut.

With Morata scoring his third goal and Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams adding a goal, Spain had increased their advantage to 6-1. Yamal made no mistakes whatsoever when he had the chance to join them.

Williams, who was carrying the ball and sprinted down the left sideline, cut back a low cross that all but Yamal managed to miss at the near post. It was seventh heaven for Spain when the teenage winger composed himself and displayed excellent skill to curl an unstoppable attempt into the far corner.

The young man enthusiastically cheered in the corner as he savored a memorable accomplishment in what appeared to be an intriguing career. He had already surpassed his teammate Gavi’s record, who had made his debut two years prior at the age of 17 years and 47 days, just by coming off the bench.The buzz around him at Camp Nou will only grow as a result of his great debut performance, with Lamine Yamal now being regarded as a first-team squad member under Xavi Hernandez.After giving the young player his debut against Real Betis in April of last year, the Barca coach has already garnered comparisons to Messi and Ansu Fati.”He’s a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find,” said Xavi to ESPN.“Lamine appears to be much older than his age of fifteen. He is well-trained and prepared to play. As a member of this team, he can usher in a new era at the club.