"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT!

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·1 December 2025

"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT!

Barça: Lamine Yamal confirms Messi is the real GOAT

"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT!

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Lamine Yamal set the record straight in his latest interview as comparisons with Lionel Messi—whose iconic number 10 jersey he now wears at FC Barcelona—continue to spark heated debates. The young sensation was keen to emphasize his deep respect for the Argentine legend, but made it clear he refuses to be seen as Messi's direct heir.

"I think I respect Messi for what he has been and what he is for football. And if one day we cross paths on a pitch, there will be mutual respect," he explained.

🚨🚨🎙️| Lamine Yamal: "I think I respect Messi in the end for what he was and for what he is for football. And if we ever meet on a football pitch someday, there will be mutual respect."
– Monday, 1 December 2025

The young Spanish international doesn't hide his admiration for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, but he is determined to carve out his own identity.

"He is the best player in the history of football, but we both know that I don’t want to be Messi, and Messi knows I don’t want to be him. I want to follow my own path,"

he confided, displaying a remarkable maturity for his age.

🚨🚨🎙️| Lamine Yamal on Lionel Messi: “He's the BEST player in football history and we both know that I don't want to be Messi, and Messi knows that I don't want to be him. I want to follow my own path, and that's all there is to it.”
– Monday, 1 December 2025

Lamine Yamal insists that he wants to write his own story.

"He knows I'm not trying to be him, to play like him, or to wear the number 10 like him. I want to be myself," he assures.

🚨🗣️ Lamine Yamal: "I think that Leo Messi is the best footballer of all time, but he also knows that I'm a player and I respect him a lot. There will be mutual respect if we play against each other." "He knows that I'm not trying to be him, to play like him, or wear the #10
– Monday, 1 December 2025

A powerful message to fans and pundits alike, showing that the Rocafonda native is determined to forge his own destiny rather than live in the shadow of his idol.

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"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT!

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"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT! | OneFootball

"He is the greatest player in history": Lamine Yamal names Messi as the GOAT!

OneFootball Videos

Barcelona

Inter Miami

Lamine Yamal

Lionel Messi

MORE STORIES