Lamine Yamal has made his position very clear. He believes Lionel Messi is the greatest player in football history. There is no debate in his mind. The Barcelona and Spain winger has said this many times over the past year. Coming from the player seen as Messi’s heir, the words carry extra weight.
During the 2026 World Cup, Yamal spoke to RTVE. He said every match Messi plays proves he is the greatest. If anyone still has doubts, Yamal feels they are looking for reasons to doubt. He called Messi the GOAT.
Yamal also explained the difference between his idol and the best ever. He said his personal idol is Neymar. But Messi is the best player in history. He said there is nothing more to say on the matter.
In April 2026, Yamal received the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year award. During his speech, he praised Messi beyond football. He said when you realise an athlete is a legend not just of their sport but of all sports, that is Messi. He called Messi the best player ever. He added that if Messi is not the greatest athlete of all time, he is certainly in that conversation. Yamal also said Messi is more than an idol. He said Messi has been part of the childhood of every child who played football in the park or at school.
Yamal made it clear he does not want to eclipse Messi. He said he does not want to be Messi. He wants to follow his own path. Messi knows that too.
The most emotional moment between them came after the 2026 World Cup final. Yamal’s Spain beat Messi’s Argentina 1-0. After the match, Yamal sought out Messi for a hug. He told Messi, ‘thank you for everything you have given to football.’ Yamal said that moment came from inside him. It was not for a photo. He also said he thanked Messi a lot for everything he has done and for being the best. Yamal said he has always believed Messi is the best.
…Explains Why His Baby Photo With Lionel Messi Stayed Hidden for Years
There is a famous photo of a baby, Lamine Yamal, being bathed by Lionel Messi. It was taken by photographer Joan Monfort for SPORT. The image later went viral because it showed the football’s greatest player with the boy who many now see as his heir. Yamal has now explained why the photo stayed hidden for so long.
He told The Guardian, as reported by Diario SPORT, that he asked his father not to share it. He was worried people would compare him to Messi too quickly. His father once posted it on Facebook, and Yamal told him to delete it. He wanted to be known as Lamine, not as Messi’s shadow. He wanted to reach his own level first. He asked his father to wait until it was truly Lamine’s time. Then his father could do whatever he wanted.
Years later, his father uploaded the photo again. By then, Yamal had already become one of Barcelona’s biggest stars. The two later met at the World Cup final, where Spain beat Argentina. After the match, Yamal went to Messi for an emotional hug. He thanked Messi for everything he has given to football. Yamal said that moment came from inside him. It was not done for a photo.
Now Yamal has his eyes on his first Ballon d’Or. He believes he has deserved it not just this year, but for a longer time. He says everyone knows he is different. He also thinks some people say he is only 19, so he can win it later and someone else should win now. He is fine with people either loving him or saying it is too much.
…Rejects Age Argument in Ballon d’Or Race as Barcelona Star Targets First Award
Lamine Yamal believes his age should not decide the Ballon d’Or. He feels he has been performing at the top level for more than just this year. He also says he is a player who makes a difference on the pitch.
The young Barcelona star spoke to The Guardian, with quotes shared by Fabrizio Romano. He said everyone knows his quality. He also said some people may think he is only 19, so he can win the award later. In his view, that should not be the reason to give it to someone else.
Yamal knows he has to keep proving himself. He said he just has to win, win, and win. Eventually, he believes, there will be no debate. He also accepts that some fans love him while others find him annoying. He called that normal.
His World Cup with Spain was not full of big personal numbers. That has been seen as his biggest problem for the award. But Spain won the title, and no single player stood out above the rest. That could help his chances. He also won two domestic titles with Barcelona. During the season, he was one of the team’s most important players, especially with Raphinha out injured for much of the campaign.
There is no clear favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Several players have been openly campaigning. Yamal’s main rivals are Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe has been pushing hard for the award.
FAQs
Q. Who does Lamine Yamal call the greatest football player ever?
A. Yamal calls Lionel Messi the greatest player in history.
Q. Why did Yamal keep his baby photo with Messi private?
A. Yamal wanted to avoid early comparisons with Messi.
Q. What award is Yamal targeting?
A. Yamal is targeting his first Ballon d’Or.
Q. Who are Yamal’s main Ballon d’Or rivals?
A. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are among his main rivals.
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