Lionel Messi has tipped Lamine Yamal to go on and enjoy a ‘huge future’ in the game and named the Barcelona winger as the player from the next generation who most reminds him of himself.
Since emerging from Barcelona’s La Masia youth ranks in August 2023, Yamal, 17, has experienced a meteoric rise, cementing his place as a key player for both club and country.
After winning La Liga in his debut season at the Camp Nou, Yamal’s stock rose dramatically again in the summer as he helped inspire Spain to a fourth European Championship crown in Germany, where he was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
In the early stages of this season, Yamal has shown no signs of slowing down, with the teenager racking up six goals and 11 assists in all competitions and Barcelona sitting top of the league.
Barca legend Messi – widely considered to be the greatest player in football history – was asked about his possible successors at an Adidas event in Germany this week – and Yamal’s name was the first that came to mind.
‘There is a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them,’ the iconic Argentinian 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.
‘I agree it depends on him and many things because that’s how football is.
‘But he’s the present and has a huge future, without a doubt.’
Messi hopes Barca’s promising start to the season marks a fresh chapter after his former club finished trophyless for a second time in three years last term.
‘I would love to see Barca win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and also the Champions League,’ he added.
‘And in the years that they don’t, at least that it competes until the last moment.’
Hansi Flick’s side play host to 17th-placed Leganes on Sunday and could go five points clear of Real Madrid with victory at the Camp Nou.
But Madrid – who have a game in hand over Barca – play first and can leapfrog their bitter rivals at the top with a win over Rayo Vallecano tomorrow evening.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.