Lamine Yamal continued his sensational start to the 2026/27 La Liga season as Barcelona defeated Levante 4-2 in an entertaining Matchday 5 encounter. Xavi Espart opened the scoring for Barcelona in the fifth minute before Yamal added his first goal in the 19th minute. The teenager then converted a penalty in the 48th minute to complete his brace, while K. Adeyemi added Barcelona's fourth in stoppage time. Levante responded through I. Romero and R. Brugué, but Barcelona held on for another league victory.
The result also highlighted Barcelona's dominance in possession. Hansi Flick's side controlled 68% of the ball, completed 786 passes with 92% accuracy and registered seven shots on target, compared with six from Levante.
Lamine Yamal Matches Lionel Messi's Rare La Liga Record
Yamal's two goals against Levante have earned him a remarkable place alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi in La Liga history.
The 19-year-old has become only the second player in the 21st century to score three braces in his team's first five La Liga matches of a season.
The first player to accomplish the feat was Lionel Messi during the 2012/13 campaign, when the Argentine superstar also scored three braces across Barcelona's opening five league matches.
Yamal's achievement is particularly impressive given his age and the enormous expectations surrounding him at Barcelona. While comparisons with Messi are inevitable, matching one of the Argentine's early-season statistical feats demonstrates just how extraordinary the teenager's development has been.
His latest brace also proved decisive in a match where Barcelona were forced to work for the three points. After taking a commanding lead, the Catalan side conceded twice and allowed Levante to threaten a comeback. Yamal's second goal from the penalty spot restored Barcelona's momentum before Adeyemi's late strike sealed the victory.
Conclusion
Lamine Yamal has started the season in terrific form, scoring four goals in four La Liga games and producing another memorable performance against Levante. By matching Messi's rare record of three braces in his team's first five league matches, Yamal has added another extraordinary milestone to his rapidly developing career.