Messi Praises Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal: “He Reminds Me of Myself”
When Lionel Messi speaks, the football world listens. And this week, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had some high praise for Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal. During an event at Adidas’ headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Messi was asked by Nigerian artist Goke Oyewo to name a young player who reminds him of himself in his early years. Without hesitation, Messi pointed to the 17-year-old Yamal, a rising star who has been turning heads in La Liga and beyond.
“There’s a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them,” Messi said. “If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal, and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too.”
Messi didn’t stop there. He added, “I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how soccer is, but he’s the present and without a doubt has a huge future.” High praise from a man who knows a thing or two about living up to potential.
Yamal: The Next Big Thing?
Lamine Yamal is no stranger to the spotlight. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy—just like Messi—Yamal has been making waves with his performances this season. The Spanish forward has already scored five goals and provided 10 assists in just 15 league appearances, helping Barcelona sit atop the La Liga standings. At just 17 years old, he’s already being compared to one of the greatest players of all time. But Yamal himself has called such comparisons “unfair,” saying it’s “impossible” to reach Messi’s level. Still, the parallels are hard to ignore.
Yamal’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed on the international stage either. He was named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain claim the title. And if that wasn’t enough, he finished eighth in the recent Ballon d’Or rankings—a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Messi’s Legacy and Hopes for Barcelona
Messi, now 37, left Barcelona in 2021 after an incredible 21-year career with the club, during which he won a record 34 titles. Despite his departure, his love for the club remains as strong as ever. “I would love to see Barça win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and also the Champions League,” Messi said. “And in the years that they don’t, at least that it competes until the last moment.”
It’s clear that Messi sees Yamal as a key part of Barcelona’s future. But as he pointed out, success in football depends on many factors. Talent alone isn’t enough; hard work, determination, and a bit of luck are all part of the equation. If Yamal can stay focused and continue to develop, there’s no telling how far he can go.
Why Yamal’s Rise Matters
Yamal’s emergence comes at a crucial time for Barcelona. The club has been rebuilding in recent years, and having a homegrown talent like Yamal leading the charge is a huge boost. His performances this season have been nothing short of spectacular, and his potential seems limitless. But with great talent comes great responsibility, and the pressure to live up to Messi’s legacy is no small burden.
Here’s a quick look at Yamal’s achievements so far:
- Scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 15 La Liga appearances this season.
- Named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after helping Spain win the title.
- Finished eighth in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Not bad for a 17-year-old, right?
The Messi-Yamal Connection
It’s not every day that a player gets compared to Lionel Messi, let alone by Messi himself. But Yamal seems to have all the tools to follow in the Argentine’s footsteps. Like Messi, he’s a product of La Masia, and he’s already making a name for himself on the biggest stages. The question now is whether he can handle the pressure and continue to grow as a player.
For Barcelona fans, the future looks bright. With Yamal leading the way, the club has a chance to return to its former glory. And with Messi’s endorsement, the young forward has all the motivation he needs to reach for the stars.
So, is Lamine Yamal the next Lionel Messi? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the football world will be watching his every move.
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
