Lamine Yamal expresses his admiration for Lionel Messi – ‘Greatest player in history’ | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was almost synonymous with FC Barcelona for over a decade until his time at the club was cut short by an unexpected departure triggered by financial constraints.

Since leaving the club, the player went on to win the FIFA World Cup, multiple competitions with PSG, and is even making a mark with Inter Miami. Barcelona, however, were expected to struggle in his absence and cope with the void.

As La Masia has done numerous times before, however, the academy popped up with Lamine Yamal, and the youngster’s quality and magic on the field have him largely compared with none other than Messi, despite him being just 17 years of age.

Lamine speaks on Messi

Speaking to the media in China, the Barcelona youngster was asked to speak about the club legend whom he is largely compared to and whose shirt he is speculated to take over next season.

Messi is the GOAT for Lamine. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“For me, Messi is the greatest player in history. Everything he did, all over the pitch, everything about his game, I liked it all, and it has truly been something beautiful for me,” he said, praising the Argentine maestro via Mundo Deportivo.

Messi and Lamine may have never crossed paths on the field, but they do have a special history together, for the photo of the Argentine icon bathing a baby Yamal, at this point, is famous as a ‘passing of the baton’ moment.

Notably, Yamal is expected to don the number 10 for Barcelona next season and will thus look to carry the weight Lionel Messi carried during his time at the club.

The two could, however, cross paths next year in the Finalissima, where Euro winners Spain take on Copa America champions Argentina.