Lionel Messi he admitted it Barcelona teenage sensation Laminy Yamal reminds him of himself when he was young.
Earlier this week, during an event at Adidas’ headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Nigerian artist Goke Oyewo asked Messi to name a new generation player who reminded him of himself from his youth.
“There is a very good generation of young players who have many years ahead of them,” Messi said.
“If I have to choose someone because of his age and the future he has, I heard that they chose Lamine Yamal and without a doubt [it’s him] for me too.
“I agree it depends on him and a lot of things because that’s football, but he is the present and there is no doubt he has a huge future ahead of him.”
Yamal is a product of Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, as Messi said, comparisons to the Argentine international are unfair because it is impossible to reach his level.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, 37, will leave Barcelona in 2021 after winning a record 34 league titles in his 21 years with the club.
Thanks to the help, he received the title of Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 Spain won the title, Yamal (17 years old) finished eighth in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings.
The Spanish striker has scored five goals and added 10 more in 15 league appearances this season to help Barcelona top the LaLiga table.
“I would love to see Barça win La Liga King’s Cup and also the Champions League,” Messi said. “And in the years they don’t, at least compete until the last minute.”
