After Lionel Messi‘s departure from Barcelonathey seemed to be left without a clear leader in their sporting project, especially as injuries hampered the rise of Ansu Fati. However, Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene with authority and became the cornerstone of the team and one of the best players in the world. With its dominant level, he has been exposed to comparisons with the Argentinian legend, which made the young star make his position very clear in the conversation.
In an interview on CBS’s ’60 Minutes’, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was asked about Lionel Messi and shared his views on comparisons: “When we meet there will be mutual respect. For me he is the best ever. He knows I am a good player and that I respect him. It is mutual, and we both know I don’t want to be Messi. I want to follow my own path. I don’t want to play like him or wear the number 10 for Messi or something like that.”
Although Lamine and Messi are often compared, their playing styles differ greatly. The Argentina is a complete dominatorknown for his changes of pace and inside play. While he started his career on the right wing at Barcelona, his impact extends beyond the wings as he moves fluidly across the pitch. On the other hand the Spaniard is among the most unbalanced wingers in the worldknown for his dribbling ability and change of pace.
It seems an almost impossible task to match Messi’s impact and legacy at Barcelona. He holds the record for the most appearances in the club’s history, with 778, and is also the team’s all-time top scorer, with 672 goals. Moreover, he led the most brilliant era in the Culers’ history– a feat that Lamine is far from achieving. As a result, the 18-year-old star wants to build his own legacy, without comparisons.
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal watches before the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Not Messi: Lamine chooses a surprising ex-Barcelona star as his idol
Although Lamine considers Yamal Messi to be the GOAT, the Spaniard does not see him as someone he can emulate on the pitch. Instead, he chooses another former Barcelona player as his idol. The 18-year-old star has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Neymar Jr., studying his movements and striving to replicate them. Yamal has successfully integrated several aspects of the Brazilian’s game, which has contributed to his emergence as one of the best in the world.
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While Neymar’s departure from Barcelona damaged his legacy among some fans, the Brazilian left a clear mark on the team. In 186 games he scored 105 goals and provided 76 assistsbut his legacy went beyond the statistics. In the historic attacking trio ‘MSN’ he was one of the most influential players with his speed, dribbling and goal-scoring ability. In addition, his playing style made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
Far from imitating Messi’s style, Lamine Yamal adapts his game better to Neymar Jr.’s dynamic approach. At just 18 years old, the Spaniard has already secured second spot in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, making him one of the youngest to ever compete for the prized accolade. Instead of competing with the Argentine icon, Yamal aims to etch his legacy at Barcelona by strengthening the team’s global reputation.
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