Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has made it clear that he is not trying to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps, despite being one of the brightest young talents in world football.
The 18-year-old winger made his LaLiga debut in 2023 at just 15, when then-coach Xavi Hernández handed him his first minutes on the field. Yamal’s dazzling dribbling and composure on the right flank immediately drew comparisons with Messi, a natural icon of Barcelona.
Over the last two years, Yamal has cemented his place in the Barcelona squad and played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, earning recognition as one of football’s most promising prospects. Many predict that he could one day leave a lasting mark on the sport, though Yamal insists his focus is on creating his own legacy.
“I respect him for what he has been and what he is for football. To me, he is the best in history,” Yamal said in an interview with CBS. Interestingly, Yamal shared a unique early connection with Messi—he was bathed by Messi as a toddler during a UNICEF campaign in 2007.
Despite his admiration, Yamal emphasized that his motivation and style differ from Messi’s:
“But neither do I want to be Messi, nor does Messi want me to be him. My football is about fun. I play so people can enjoy watching. It is not about a million records or a million goals.”
Lionel Messi left Barcelona in August 2021 due to the club’s financial struggles, moving first to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Inter Miami, where he is expected to finish his career.
Yamal’s comments reflect the mindset of a new generation of footballers, aiming to honor legends while building their own identity on the pitch.
