In the midst of a season where his name has gone from being a prospect to a reality, Lamine Yamal once again made it clear where he aims to go.
The young Barcelona forward, recently named "World Young Sportsman of the Year" at the Laureus Awards, put into words what many had long suspected: his role model remains Lionel Messi.
Yamal pays tribute to the "best player in history"
At just 18 years old, the Barça winger has not only established himself as one of the team's key players but is beginning to be seen as the natural heir to one of the club's most prominent legends: Leo Messi.
This is the second consecutive year the academy has honored the young player, after recognizing his work in the "Breakthrough of the Year" category in 2025. Now, upon receiving this new distinction, Yamal reflected on the impact and responsibility of making his mark at Barça and in international soccer:
"I'm proud that the academy has recognized me with this award and that I'm the first to win it... It's hard to realize that it's a responsibility and you can't make mistakes because you're a role model for many children, but I take it as a good thing. That's why whenever I send out a message, I try to do so meaningfully and with the goal of helping more people. Keeping this in mind, I'll make mistakes sometimes, but I'm 18 years old," explained Lamine.
In his speech, the young man did not hide his happiness and satisfaction at receiving this award, nor his deep admiration for Messi: "When you realize that an athlete is not just a legend in his sport but in all others, it's because he's the best. Messi is an example. He's the best soccer player in history and also the best athlete. For me, he's not just another idol. Everyone respects him for everything he's done, for the example he sets through everything he's done, and I hope to follow in his footsteps," he said.
The Argentine is the only soccer player to have won the top title of "World Athlete of the Year," an achievement he secured in 2020 and repeated in 2023. In addition, he left a great legacy at Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals and won 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 Club World Cups. Now, he continues his career at Inter Miami.
Far from sounding like a cliché, the context reinforces the message. At 18, Lamine is already dealing with the pressure of being a role model for other young players and the expectation of leading a new era at Barça. He himself acknowledges that weight, though he accepts it as a natural part of growing up. In this context, Messi appears less as an uncomfortable comparison and more as a roadmap. Not only because of what he achieved, but because he represents global impact, consistency, and an influence that transcends generations.
Meanwhile, following their recent elimination from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid, Barça is focusing on its LaLiga commitments, where they currently lead with 79 points, nine points ahead of Real Madrid (70), and are aiming for a second consecutive title. The next match will be against Celta de Vigo, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at the Spotify Camp Nou.
