“I don’t want to be Messi”, Yamal insists on creating his own legacy

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal says he is focused on building his own identity in global football, even as comparisons to Argentine icon Lionel Messi continue to grow.

In a recent conversation with CBS, the 18-year-old winger voiced strong admiration for Messi but made it clear he has no plans to model himself after the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient.

Yamal referred to Messi as “the best in history” and noted that both players recognize how vital individuality is within the sport.

“I think that I respect him, in the end, for what he’s been, for what he is to soccer, and if we ever meet one day on a soccer field, there’ll be that mutual respect,” he said. “We both know I don’t want to be Messi, and Messi knows I don’t want to be him. I want to follow my own path, and that’s it.”

The Spanish international also reflected on the emotional impact of football and his wish to influence the lives of supporters who watch him perform.

“I wish I could change people’s days. If someone is sad and comes to the match, they watch me play, and their day gets better, then they go home happier than before,” he said. “Football is everything to me. You can evoke so many emotions that depend solely on the presence of a ball.”

Yamal further stated that he does not feel burdened by the attention surrounding him, attributing his calm mindset to the grounding provided by his family and childhood. “I feel no pressure when I play football. I just try to enjoy it. I think my friends and family have gone through much tougher trials than me, just to let me even play football.”

Considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, the winger continues to earn acclaim for his maturity both on and off the field.

He is expected to meet Lionel Messi for the first time when Spain takes on Argentina in the Finalissima 2026, scheduled for March in Qatar.