The constant comparisons with the Argentine superstar have annoyed Yamal. As both are graduates of La Masia, it is natural to make comparisons, but the best young talent of this generation is determined – he wants to create his own path, to create new history.
After making his debut in the Barcelona senior team at the age of just 15, Yamal could not be stopped. Since then, he has been writing new records one after another. At just 18, the Spanish star has already won La Liga and the European Championship. In addition to winning the Copa del Rey and the Golden Boy twice, he came second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Football circles believe that Yamal will soon win the first Ballon d’Or of his career, which will help him chase Messi’s incredible record of winning it eight times.
However, Yamal has made it clear that he does not want to follow Messi’s path. The young star told CBS, “Lionel Messi is the best footballer of all time, but he also knows that I am a good player. If we play face to face, there will be respect for each other. I don’t want to be Messi, I don’t want to play like him, I don’t want to wear the number 10 jersey. I want to follow my own path.”
He doesn’t want to be like Messi, but he is inspired by him. Yamal also said, “As a child, I used to watch Messi’s passes. Other players also made good passes, but Messi’s passes often equaled goals. Passing attracted me more than dribbling, because they are much more intelligent. The funny thing is, when I was a child, I wasn’t much of a dribbler – I scored more goals and ran a lot.”
Now, of course, he can easily get past defenders like Messi. Although the future looks bright, Yamal doesn’t want to be swept away by the hype or praise around him.
He added, ‘I don’t set any expectations. I just want to enjoy the game. Expectations are not good—because when you meet them, it feels like there’s nothing left, and when they’re not met, it feels disappointing. Football is the only thing that makes me forget everything. Even if there are big problems, when the match comes, all I can think about is the game.’
Time is still on his side, he can break many records ahead. But he doesn’t think much about personal achievements. Yamal said, ‘My goal is not to break all records, not to score millions of goals, not to play millions of matches. I’m an athlete who wants to enjoy the game. I hope that children will be inspired by me. Ultimately, the goal is one—for people to enjoy, to have a little fun in football.’
Yamal now regularly receives applause from the audience. His game is reminiscent of Messi; both love to jump at the opponent, and play with courage.
What is his mentality when he takes to the field? Yamal himself gave the answer, ‘If I see three players in front of me, I will dribble. I have a lot of confidence—that’s my style of play. It’s no problem if I take the ball away. If I stopped when I saw two or three people, I would be a completely different type of player.’
Yamal has seven goals and seven assists in 14 games for Barca this season. His performance has Barca now at the top of La Liga, one point ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. And with the 2026 World Cup looming, he now has the dream of glory for Spain in his mind.
