Photograph credit: EPA Image
A prodigy poised to surpass Messi
By all measures, Lamine Yamal is no ordinary footballer. At just 17 years old, the Barcelona winger has already carved a place for himself among the sport’s elite, dazzling fans and pundits with a blend of flair, intelligence and maturity rarely seen in a player so young.
Dubbed by many as the “new Messi”, Yamal is not only living up to the weighty expectations but has begun to chart a path that could, in time, see him surpass the legacy of the Argentine great.
Born in Esplugues de Llobregat, a municipality of Barcelona, to a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal was spotted by Barcelona scouts at a very young age. From the moment he stepped into La Masia, the club’s famous and prosperous academy, it was clear that he was a special talent.
He possessed a good understanding of space, a telepathic vision on the pitch, and an effortless ability to glide past defenders. Within the corridors of Barcelona, coaches spoke of him highly and made the same remarks that were once reserved for a young Lionel Messi.
His debut for Barcelona’s first team came at just 15, a moment that signalled the arrival of a new era at the Camp Nou. Unlike many young players such as Pedri, who break into the senior team with promise but struggle to maintain momentum, Yamal cemented his place almost immediately.
His performances were electric with sharp dribbles, inch-perfect assists and goals that carried the aura of genius. By the time he was 17, he had not only become a regular starter for Barcelona but also earned a spot in the Spanish national team, breaking age-related records along the way.
The past two seasons have seen Yamal lift major silverware at both club and international levels. His contributions were pivotal in Barcelona’s domestic triumphs, with the team claiming the league title and cup competitions such as the Copa del Rey. But it was on the international stage where his star shone even brighter.
Representing Spain at the Euros in 2024 while still a teenager, he was instrumental in his country’s title win, beating England. His composure under pressure, combined with moments of individual brilliance, earned him the tournament’s best young player award.
He carried that form into the 2024-2025 season for Barcelona, winning both the La Liga and Copa del Rey and reaching the Champions League semi-final.
Comparisons to Messi are inevitable. Both are left-footed, emerged from La Masia and possess that rare ability to change games in an instant. But while Messi’s career was defined by a relentless pursuit of perfection, Yamal seems to operate with a sense of calm defiance. He does not merely replicate Messi’s style but adds his touch, mixed with a fusion of elegance and unpredictability. Former players and managers alike have begun to suggest that Yamal may not just emulate Messi but exceed his accomplishments.
The idea of him one day winning the Ballon d’Or is no longer a question of if, but when. Yamal’s trajectory points to a player destined for the pinnacle of world football. With his influence growing season by season, and his performances consistently drawing awe, it is entirely plausible that he will dominate the award in the coming decade.
What sets Yamal apart is not just his technical brilliance but his maturity and behaviour on the pitch. He reads the game like a seasoned veteran, often dropping deep to dictate tempo or drifting wide to stretch defences. His teammates speak highly of his professionalism, his willingness to learn and his unassuming nature.
In an era where young stars can be consumed by fame and scrutiny, Yamal remains grounded. Those around him say his only obsession is the ball, a sentiment that echoes the early years of Messi’s career.
Barcelona, a club undergoing a transitional period due to financial constraints, have placed its faith in Yamal to lead a new generation. With the partnership between Raphinha and Yamal, it seems that Barcelona is now coming to its glory days.
Every week on the pitch, he delivers performances that lift the team and inspire the fans. His growing influence in the dressing room is matched by his personality, which creates a strong and profound relationship with his teammates.
Should Yamal continue on his current path, he will almost certainly challenge Messi’s record haul of Ballon d’Or titles, goals and assists. Football history has seen many promising talents fade away under the glare of expectation. But Yamal appears to be built differently. His rise has been steep yet steady, marked not by hype alone but by tangible achievements.
At 17, Lamine Yamal stands on the cusp of greatness. He has already achieved more than many do in a lifetime and shows signs of getting started if the last 18 months are taken into account. As the footballing world watches with a focused lens, one thing becomes increasingly clear: the kid from Esplugues de Llobregat is not just following the footsteps of Messi, but he is creating his own legendary imprints.
And if he continues in this form, the day may come when the question is no longer whether he can match Messi, but overthrow Messi as the greatest footballer of all time.
