Barcelona star Lamine Yamal shares what he admires the most about Lionel Messi
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has shared the reason for his admiration of club legend Lionel Messi, who recently praised the youngster for winning the 2024 Golden Boy award. The Spaniard followed up his Kopa Trophy win with the Golden Boy award to cap off a remarkable year.
Having come through the famed La Masia academy, Yamal has found it difficult to shrug off comparisons to the club's greatest player, Messi. Like Yamal, the Argentine icon came through the club's academy and went on to achieve superstardom while still at the club.
Lionel Messi sent a message to Yamal and Vicky Lopez after their respective wins at the Golden Boy Gala. Yamal responded by speaking about what he admires the most in the 37-year-old, saying (via GOAL):
"In the end, what I admire most about Messi's style is the ease with which he does everything. A role model for everyone and a player all kids look up to."
Still only 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has more than justified comparisons to Lionel Messi with his performances for club and country. The precocious teenager finished eighth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings and is the best U-21 player in the world.
This year, Lamine Yamal helped Spain win Euro 2024 while being named the best young player of the tournament over the summer. He has produced the goods for his club this season with six goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances under Hansi Flick.
Lionel Messi sends message to Barcelona duo after Golden Boy triumph
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi sent a message to two of the club's youngsters Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez after their success at the Golden Boy Gala for 2024. They picked up the biggest prizes at the event, with Yamal emerging as the Golden Boy and Lopez, the Golden Girl.
Messi took to social media to congratulate the pair of Barcelona teenagers who were part of a select group of youngsters to receive Messi+10 boots this year. He praised them for their hard work and sacrifice and expressed his pride at their achievements. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on Instagram:
"Lamine, Vicky: this award is the result of not just talent, but also of hard work and sacrifice. It makes me proud that you are part of Messi+10. Congratulations and keep going!"
Lamine Yamal, 17, became the youngest recipient of the award. Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham won it in 2023. Vicky Lopez also became the first player from Spain to win the Golden Girl award in its third edition. Linda Caicedo of Real Madrid and Colombia won it in 2023.