Lionel Messi has named Lamine Yamal as the player who most reminds him of his younger self, during a promotional event for Adidas this Friday.
The Argentine icon, who left an indelible mark at Barcelona before a brief stint at PSG, is now enjoying the twilight of his career at Inter Miami. Asked which emerging talent mirrors his own early days, Messi’s reply was immediate: “There is a new generation of very good footballers with many years ahead of them, but if I had to pick one based on age, what he has done so far, and the future he could have, it’s Lamine. Without doubt, for me he is the best.”
The two have never faced each other on the pitch, as the planned Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was ultimately canceled. They could potentially meet at a future World Cup, perhaps in a final or an unwanted early-round clash.
Lamine Yamal, who turned 18 this year, has ended his club season due to injury but is set to return for Spain’s national team ahead of the upcoming tournament.