Andrija Maksimovic, the rising Serbian talent often dubbed the ‘Serbian Lionel Messi,’ has boldly stated he’s ready to prove himself as a superior talent to Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, when Red Star Belgrade faces Barcelona in the Champions League.
At just 17, Maksimovic has already made waves, debuting for Serbia’s national team and earning a reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects. He draws comparisons to Lionel Messi thanks to his dribbling prowess and creative flair on the field, although Maksimovic insists he wants to be remembered in his own right. “Messi is my idol, but I would like to be remembered as Andrija Maksimovic,” he explained.
Ahead of the clash, Maksimovic expressed confidence, stating he’s ready to stand out against Yamal, who has enjoyed an explosive year. Yamal, who is also 17, was pivotal in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and is a front-runner for the 2024 Golden Boy award. However, Maksimovic feels unfazed by his rival’s achievements. “We met at the European Championship. A brilliant player, just like [Pau] Cubarsi. But tomorrow, I’ll go out and show that I’m better than him,” Maksimovic said with resolve.
Red Star’s journey in the Champions League has been rocky, with three defeats and a concerning 11 goals conceded. Meanwhile, Barcelona has rebounded strongly, recovering from an opening loss to Monaco and displaying their best form against Bayern Munich. As Maksimovic prepares for this high-stakes encounter, he remains undeterred, stating, “This is the Champions League, this is our stadium. The stands will be full, and I’m glad I’ll be playing against the great Barcelona.”
All eyes will be on Maksimovic and Yamal as they take center stage in this eagerly anticipated matchup, each aiming to prove they’re more than just the next big thing.
