Lionel Messi has identified a player from the so-called ‘new generation’ that reminds him of his younger self.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner paid a visit to the Adidas headquarters in Germany this week alongside Inter Miami teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Here, Messi was joined on stage by Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden as he hosted a Q&A session with those in attendance.
He answered a number of questions but one answer that involved Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has got people talking.
As you can see from the footage below, a fan asked Messi the following question: “Football is changing, there’s a new generation rising. Who is one player from this new generation that you watch and think, ‘This is me when I was younger.'”
Without much hesitation, Messi proceeded to namedrop Yamal as someone who has “a huge future ahead of him” after such a strong start to his career with Barcelona and Spain.
“The new generation of young players is very good and has many years ahead of them,” Messi said.
“Well, I’ve heard about Lamine Yamal, without a doubt. It depends on him, and also other factors, to stay consistent. But he is already part of the present and, without a doubt, has a huge future ahead of him.”
Yamal has previously named Messi as his idol.
“He is my idol. He always has been, he continues to be now that I play for Barcelona,” the teenager said last year. “He inspired me. I have never had another idol. I once took a photo with him. I was unknown. Maybe one day I will be like him.”
Image credit: Instagram/goke_oyewo
This isn’t the first time Messi has been asked to identify young talent in world football. Back in 2020, the Argentine mentioned Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and Phil Foden when he was asked to name 15 young players that were “on the rise”.
Here’s what he has to say about those 15 players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – “A full-back who is impressive going forward, it is the future.”
Christian Pulisic – “He has great balance and agility.”
Mason Mount – “Having watched him play he has the potential to be one of the best.”
Jadon Sancho – “His ability to dribble past defenders is impressive.”
Luka Jovic – “A magical player who makes the impossible, possible.”
Kai Havertz – “His composure in front of goal is so impressive for such a young player.”
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring against PSG. Image credit: Getty
Eder Militao – “A phenomenal talent and fierce competitior.”
Ousmane Dembele – “His pace is frightening in training.”
Phil Foden – “He will do amazing things in the game. He has huge talent.”
Houssem Aouar – “He is always calm with the ball at his feet with an excellent technical quality.”
Frenkie de Jong – “One of the most accomplished passers I have ever seen for his age.”
Joao Felix – “One of the most exciting young players in the world right now.”
Kylian Mbappe – “He is so fast and he can finish. Very dangerous.”
Joshua Kimmich – “A hugely talented full-back who provides so many assists.”
Benjamin Pavard – “A classy defender who can strike a ball so well.”