Lamine Yamal Names Another Star as His Idol After Lionel Messi Praise
Lamine Yamal is already sharing the biggest stage in world soccer with the legends he grew up watching. The FIFA World Cup debutant continues to attract attention not only for his performances but also for his admiration of the game's greatest stars. And unlike most, Yamal doesn't hesitate to name who he thinks is the GOAT.
Ahead of Spain's Group H match against Saudi Arabia, the 18-year-old opened up about Lionel Messi after the Argentine captain delivered a statement performance in the first game against Algeria. Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and became the tournament's all-time joint top scorer alongside Germany's Miroslav Klose.
Reacting to Messi's display, Yamal had no hesitation in praising the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Messi's hat-trick? Every match he plays proves that he is the greatest player in history. If anyone still has doubts, it's because they're deliberately looking for them," Yamal said.
Lamine Yamal: "Messi's hat-trick? Every match he plays proves that he is the greatest player in history. If anyone still has doubts, it's because they're deliberately looking for them.
— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 19, 2026
"There's nothing more to say. My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the greatest of all time." pic.twitter.com/OQVzCYwkux
While he praised the Argentine, Yamal made sure to let everyone know that he idolizes a Brazilian star. "My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the greatest of all time." The Spaniard considers Neymar Jr. his personal inspiration while regarding Messi as the GOAT. All three of them did play for the same club, FC Barcelona. However, Yamal and Messi also spent time at the club's La Masia academy.
The teenage phenom currently wears No. 10 at Barcelona, a jersey number once worn by Messi. The connection between Messi and Yamal looks even more remarkable after a 2007 photoshoot between them resurfaced. A year after Messi's World Cup debut, the Argentine did a photoshoot holding a baby during a UNICEF and Barcelona charity project.
As it turns out, the infant was none other than Yamal himself. While both men share an unexpected history and a similar left-foot shooting ability, the Spaniard's admiration for Neymar also makes sense. Yamal's flair and confidence on the ball carry similarities to the Brazilian's style, with the latter's showboating and creativity reflecting traits that made the winger one of the sport's most entertaining players.
While Messi and Neymar are now possibly competing in their final World Cup, Yamal is making his debut as one of soccer's brightest young stars. He played a crucial role in Spain's 2024 UEFA Euro triumph, earning the Best Young Player award at the tournament. He has the chance to win it again at the World Cup.
However, he watched most of Spain's first game against Cabo Verde from the sideline. Yamal came on in the second half but couldn't make much difference after managing just two shots. Things have been tough for his idol as well, with Neymar expected to miss Brazil's second game against Haiti due to a calf muscle injury.
Nevertheless, Yamal still has a lot to prove in the upcoming games. Spain are among the favorites to win the tournament. Winning the biggest stage at age 18 is surely something Yamal can achieve much earlier than his GOAT and idol.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 9:30 AM.