Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has heaped praise on Lionel Messi ahead of a potential blockbuster meeting between Spain and Argentina in the Finalissima 2026. Speaking to CBS, the 19-year-old attacker expressed deep admiration for the Argentine icon while making it clear that he intends to forge his own legacy in world football.
Yamal, who has emerged as one of Spain’s brightest talents, did not hesitate to acknowledge Messi’s greatness. “Leo Messi’s the GOAT,” he said, emphasizing the unmatched influence the Argentine captain has had on the sport. With Spain scheduled to face Argentina in the upcoming Finalissima, the fixture is already generating anticipation, especially with the possibility of Yamal sharing the pitch with his idol.
“I respect Messi for what he was, and for what he is for football. If we meet on the pitch that day, there will be mutual respect. He’s the best in history,” Yamal added, reinforcing the admiration he holds for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, the young forward also clarified that despite the comparisons often drawn between rising stars and established legends, he has no desire to emulate Messi’s path. “We both know that I don’t want to be Messi and Messi knows that I don’t want to be him… I just want to follow my own path, and that’s all there is to it,” he stated.
