Lamine Yamal has once again found himself at the center of international football debate after comments that reignite the long-standing comparison with Lionel Messi. The Spanish national team’s young star made it clear during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that he holds the Argentine in the highest regard, describing him as the greatest player in history — even ahead of Neymar, his personal idol.

YAMAL’S PRAISE

After being asked about Messi’s standout performance in the tournament opener — where he scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City and equaled Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history — the Barcelona winger was unequivocal in his assessment.

“In every match he proves he’s the greatest of all time. If someone doubts it, it’s because they’re looking for reasons to. There’s nothing more to say — for me, he’s the best,” the Spain international told RTVE.

Although Yamal emphasized that the Rosario-born forward is not his personal idol — a role reserved for Brazil’s Neymar Jr., whose style he admires — he acknowledged that the Brazilian ranks below the Argentine in footballing history.

“Obviously, my idol is Neymar because I enjoy watching him play. But Messi is the best, and there’s no debate about that,” he added.

FOCUSED ON HIS OWN PATH

However, the Spaniard insisted his inspiration does not come exclusively from former Barcelona legends, but rather from building his own path in elite football. His remarks once again fuel discussion about how the new generation relates to football’s historical icons without feeling the need to imitate them.

“I don’t think about what Messi or Kylian Mbappé are doing (scoring goals). I focus on myself and on my national team, because I could score many goals and still end up being eliminated from the tournament, and that would be sad,” he said.

Spain, unlike Argentina, Brazil and France, opened their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde in Atlanta. Yamal and La Roja will now be targeting their first victory this Sunday, June 21, against Saudi Arabia at the same venue.

At just 18 years old, Yamal continues to establish himself as one of European football’s brightest prospects, increasingly mature in his reflections on his career. Far from being weighed down by constant comparisons, the winger insists on distinguishing admiration from idolisation — a nuance that defines his competitive mindset.

EYEING WORLD CUP GLORY

In that context, his words underline a clear message: total respect for Messi — and even Neymar — but an overriding focus on his own development, with his sights set on lifting the World Cup with Spain after winning Euro 2024 in Germany.

“If we want to win the World Cup, we have to beat the best. If not in the round of 16, then later, or in the final. We are Spain, and we always want to measure ourselves against the best teams,” he concluded.

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