At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already leading Barcelona’s attacking line and continues to win over the biggest names in football. The latest to fall under the spell of the Spanish forward is none other than Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
Now through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barça can count on Lamine Yamal as they chase a trophy that has eluded them since 2015. The young Spanish striker has been a key contributor to the club’s recent form, with the Catalan side currently sitting top of La Liga, four points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. At only 17, the reigning European champion has already become the attacking leader for the Blaugranas, dazzling fans and opponents alike with his talent every weekend.
Could he be considered the rightful heir to Lionel Messi? In any case, the Argentine superstar seems to think so. In an interview with Simplemente Fútbol, the Inter Miami captain heaped praise on the young centre-forward.
“What Lamine Yamal is showing is incredible… he’s already won the European Championship with Spain. He’s still just 17, he’s growing, and he’ll continue to develop as a player and add new dimensions to his game, just like I did. He has unbelievable qualities and is already one of the best players in the world,” Messi said.
Words that will no doubt be music to Yamal’s ears.