When it comes to the greatest talent of the new generation, even Lionel Messi himself has no doubts.
Asked during a World Cup promotional event who the best footballer of the new generation is, the Argentine answered briefly: “Lamine. Without a doubt. For me, he is the best.”
Just a few days later, during an interview with CBS , Lamine Yamal was asked if Spain would win the 2026 World Cup. With a calm smile, he answered with a single word: “Yes.”
At just 18 years old, the Barcelona star has achieved things that most footballers can only dream of. He has played in the Champions League semi-finals, won the European Championship with Spain and now wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, a number that for almost 15 years was synonymous with Lionel Messi.
However, what makes Yamal special is not just his extraordinary talent, but the calmness with which he faces pressure and great expectations.
Comparisons with Messi are inevitable
The similarities between Yamali and Messi are obvious, both are left-handed, possess exceptional dribbling skills and a footballing intelligence that makes the most difficult moves seem simple.
In fact, statistics show that Yamal has had a bigger impact at a young age than Messi. At 18, he has already made 151 appearances for Barcelona. When Messi celebrated his 19th birthday in 2006, he had only made 41 appearances for the first team.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who played alongside Messi in his early days at Barcelona, believes it is Yamal’s turn to make history.
“Messi and I made history. Now it’s Lamine Yamali’s turn. What he has shown at this age is extraordinary,” Ronaldinho declared.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand went even further.
“Yes, he is better than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age. His potential could be even higher. Nobody has done what he is doing at the age of 17,” Ferdinand said.
“I don’t want to be Messi”
Despite the constant comparisons, Yamal is determined to build his own identity.
“Messi is the greatest footballer in history. He is a legend and I don’t think I am worthy of being compared to him,” the Spanish talent declared.
“I don’t want to be Messi. I want to follow my own path.”
The same philosophy applies to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It’s not good to compare yourself to anyone. Cristiano achieved everything by being himself. I also want to be known for who I am, Lamine Yamal.”
Unlike many great talents who are consumed by expectations, Yamal seems to be unaffected by the noise around him.
“I don’t think about the Ballon d’Or. I want to enjoy playing and winning with Barcelona and the national team.”
“The pressure doesn’t exist. It’s just an excuse. If you think about having fun and enjoying football, there’s no pressure,” he says.
His former coach at Barcelona’s academy, Inocente Diaz, even dared to make a big prediction.
“He’s even better than Messi at this age. Within six years he’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”
Unusual inspiration: Luka Modric
An interesting detail that reveals a lot about how Yamal thinks is his childhood idol.
While most would expect names like Arjen Robben or Franck Ribery, Yamal has admitted that he carefully studied Luka Modric’s game.
“I liked the way Modric passed with the outside of his foot. I found it more interesting than dribbling, because it’s more about the mind and vision of the game,” he said.
This explains why, despite playing as a winger, he is gradually transforming into a playmaker, moving closer and closer to the center of the field.
Coaches who have worked with him believe that in the future Yamal can also play as a “false 9”, a role that once made Lionel Messi legendary.
Spain builds World Cup dream around him
The 2026 World Cup is approaching and Spain is considered one of the main favorites for the trophy.
At the center of the project is Lamine Yamal, a footballer who is not yet 19 years old.
He has made his objective clear:
“I’ve always imagined myself playing in the World Cup and seeing my mother in the stands. I hope I win it.”
Given the pace of its development, many believe that football may be witnessing the birth of a new era.
