“It doesn’t bother me” - Lamine Yamal makes bold claim amid comparisons with Lionel Messi
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal shared his thoughts on being compared to former club legend Lionel Messi after receiving his first shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Yamal had a stellar 2023-24 season, becoming key to Spain's triumph in the 2024 Euros. He was also one of Barcelona's most promising players last season.
At 17, Lamine Yamal became the youngest ever Ballon d'Or nominee in history. In an interview with France Football, the La Masia graduate spoke about being compared to Lionel Messi and said:
“For me, the most important thing is to leave a legacy, to have your career. In the end, being compared to Leo is more important than not looking at it.”
Yamal added:
"The truth is if you are being compared to Messi, the best player in history, it’s because you are doing things well. It doesn’t bother me, but obviously, I always try to be myself."
Yamal recently took the number 19 shirt at Barcelona, which was once famously helmed by Lionel Messi before he took up the iconic number 10. Due to his immaculate ball control and impeccable dribbling skills, Yamal is widely considered to be Messi's successor at his boyhood club.
Both Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are primarily left-footed attackers who are best utilized in the right wing, making the comparisons more obvious and inevitable.
When Lamine Yamal named Lionel Messi and Neymar as his role models in football
In an interview with GQ Sports, Lamine Yamal was asked to name his inspirations in football. The youngster did not hesitate to name Lionel Messi along with former Barcelona legend Neymar as his idols. He said:
"I have two role models in football: Messi and Neymar. Neymar for his awesome way of playing, and Messi because he's the best player in the whole world. The way I play is pretty unique and not often seen. Since I'm also left-handed and I kick with my right leg, some plays may look similar, but no one plays like Messi."
Leo Messi seems to be equally fond of his hailed successor. He once named Yamal as one of the future contenders for the Ballon d'Or in an interview with L'Equipe, shortly after picking up his eighth Ballon d'Or. Messi said:
“Lamine, who is now very young and is already playing at Barcelona and being important... will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too. There are always good players. A very nice stage is coming for us to enjoy.”
Lamine Yamal has continued his sensational form for Barcelona this season, as he recorded one goal and four assists in his first four La Liga fixtures at the club. Meanwhile, Leo Messi has been focusing on his recovery off the pitch after injuring his ankle in the 2024 Copa America final.