‘To me, Messi is the greatest in football history.’
Lamene Yamal has made it clear that he does not wish to be compared to Lionel Messi. While some still try to draw comparisons, Yamal wants to develop his career in his own unique way. In an interview with CBS News, he said, ‘I don’t want to play like Messi. I have my own style, and that’s what I want to show. Messi knows this.’
Yamal’s style may remind people of Messi, but he himself wants to avoid the comparison. Since Messi left Barcelona in 2021, Yamal’s game has carried his shadow. Achieving so much at a young age for both Barcelona and the national team mirrors Messi’s early success.
Yamal is also left-footed and plays in similar positions as Messi. Scoring goals and providing assists are part of his job. Yet, he wants to ensure that Messi’s achievements remain respected.
On ‘60 Minutes,’ he said, ‘I respect what Messi has done and what he represents in football. There will always be mutual respect on the pitch. To me, he is the greatest in history.’
This season, Yamal has scored 7 goals in 14 matches for Barcelona. Explaining his style, he said, ‘I play for joy. Breaking records or scoring millions of goals is not my aim. I just enjoy the game.’
About his personal life, he said, ‘Football is my first love. My friends, father, and mother also love football. It is everything in my life.’
AJ