‘Hope to achieve half of what Messi did’: Lamine Yamal aims to follow legend’s footsteps

MADRID: At just 18 years of age, Lamine Yamal is already being spoken of as football’s next global superstar, though his feet remain firmly on the ground. The Rocafonda-born winger, raised just outside Barcelona, has enjoyed a meteoric rise with FC Barcelona, playing a pivotal role in a remarkable 2025 season that saw the club secure La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey, alongside a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.

Such success has inevitably drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, the iconic figure who defined an era at Barcelona across 21 years. Yet Yamal has been quick in rejecting those parallels. For him, Messi is untouchable.

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Speaking after receiving his second successive honour at the Laureus World Sports Awards, this time as ‘World Young Sportsperson of the Year’, Yamal expressed deep humility.

“For me, Messi is the greatest football player in history. I hope I can follow in his footsteps but I’d already be grateful to achieve even half of what he has.

“He is a legend and I don’t find myself worthy compared with him. I only hope to achieve half of what he has done, he is without a doubt the best in the history of football,” he said.

“When you realise an athlete isn’t just a legend of their sport but of all sports... Messi, who for me is the best player in history, and if he isn’t the greatest athlete ever, he’s definitely in that conversation with all of them. He’s more than an idol. I think everyone respects him for everything he’s done. He’s been part of the childhood of every kid when we played in the park or at school and I hope I’ll be able to follow in his footsteps,” added Yamal.

Despite the accolades, Yamal is acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with fame at such a young age. “It’s hard to realise you are a role model and that you can’t make mistakes,” he admitted,

“But I see it as something positive. Whenever I send a message, I try to make it meaningful and helpful.”

Yamal embraced the evolving relationship between players and fans on social media. “People are entertained by what you do off the pitch too and I like this change. This has strengthened my bond with fans.”

Yamal’s ambitions remain clear to fulfill his childhood dream of playing in the World Cup this summer. “I’ve always imagined playing in a World Cup, seeing my mother in the stands, representing my country. I hope we can win it,” he said.

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