Lamine Yamal hails Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo as the icons who shaped generations— But warns: “ I want to beat him”

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has paid a glowing tribute to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the trio as the defining figures of his footballing upbringing — while also making it clear he has no intention of losing to any of them on the biggest stage.

The 18-year-old winger, who has taken the football world by storm since breaking through at Barça, spoke candidly about the enduring greatness of the game’s modern legends, particularly in the context of the ongoing World Cup.

“Nobody Expected Messi to Be This Good”

Yamal, who is currently away on international duty with Spain, reserved special praise for his compatriot and former Barcelona teammate Messi — now 39 and still dazzling at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“Lionel Messi’s level is INCREDIBLE,” Yamal said. “Everyone knows who Messi is, but nobody expected him to be performing at such a high level at the World Cup. He continues to do things that leave you speechless.”

Messi, who led Argentina to glory in 2022, has been in sublime form once again, defying age and expectations. Yamal, who grew up idolising the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, admitted that watching Messi still dominate at this stage of his career is both inspiring and surreal.

A Fond Nod to Neymar

Yamal also expressed his happiness for Neymar, despite the Brazilian’s absence from the current World Cup squad due to injury. The 34-year-old, who briefly shared a pitch with Yamal during the latter’s early days at Barcelona, remains a figure close to the youngster’s heart.

“I’m very happy for him, just like I’m happy for Neymar, even though he is no longer there,” Yamal said, referring to Neymar’s unavailability for the tournament. The pair built a strong bond during their time together at Camp Nou, with Neymar often acting as a mentor to the teenage prodigy.

Ronaldo: “He Shaped My Childhood”

Not forgetting the third member of football’s modern trinity, Yamal made a point of acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to represent Portugal at the age of 41.

“And also for Cristiano Ronaldo,” Yamal added. “For me, they have shaped the childhoods of everyone who is playing now. Anything good that happens to them is good for me.”

It is a sentiment shared across a generation of young players who grew up watching the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly define an era. Yamal, born in 2007, was just a child when both were at their peaks, and he credits them for inspiring his own journey into professional football.

“Except If I Reach the Final”

But while Yamal holds the legends in the highest regard, his competitive fire remains undimmed. With a playful grin, he added a caveat that will delight Spanish fans.

“Except if I reach the final, because I want to beat him,” Yamal said with a laugh, making clear that his admiration will not get in the way of his own ambitions on the pitch.

Spain remain one of the favourites in the tournament, and a potential final clash against Argentina, Portugal or Brazil would set up a dream showdown between Yamal and one of his idols. For now, though, the teenager is focused on his own journey — one that is already drawing comparisons to the very legends he grew up watching.

A Star Forging His Own Path

At just 18, Yamal has already amassed over 50 appearances for Barcelona and has become a key figure for the Spanish national team. His rapid rise has been meteoric, and his maturity in handling the weight of expectation has drawn widespread praise.

As the World Cup knockout stages loom, Yamal’s words serve as both a tribute to football’s golden generation and a declaration that the new guard is ready to take centre stage — even if that means going head-to-head with the heroes of his childhood.