Lamine Yamal names Lionel Messi and ex-Barcelona star as his role models

Talented Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has named Lionel Messi and former Blaugrana superstar Neymar Jr. as his role models. The 16-year-old winger shared these revelations in an interview with GQ, following an impressive performance against France in EURO 2024.

Yamal had been a part of the Spain national team that faced up against Les Bleus in their semi-final clash on Tuesday, July 9. The Barca prodigy was in full form, leading La Roja‘s comeback to secure the win with a beautiful goal from outside the box.

Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring with Kylian Mbappe’s assist in the ninth minute. Lamine Yamal then scored a curler from a distance, hitting the far post as it entered, in the 21st minute. Four minutes later, Dani Olmo doubled the score for Spain, and they held onto their lead until the end of the game.

It was enough to put La Roja in the final of the tournament, while Yamal became the youngest player to score in the history of the EUROs. In the interview with GQ afterward, he expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi and Neymar, saying (via Barca Universal):

“When I was little I looked up to Messi or Neymar, and seeing that children now look up to me is amazing.”

The young forward will be hoping he can emulate Lionel Messi’s career as he continues his career at Barcelona. With Spain, he has racked up a goal and three assists in just six EURO games. He also played 47 games in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League last season for the Blaugrana, registering five goals and 10 assists.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal could face each other in Finalissima

Spain have gotten to the final of EURO 2024, where they will face either England or the Netherlands, on July 14. Argentina are also in the final of Copa America, where they will face Uruguay or Colombia, and they will be seen as strong contenders to win.

If both sides secure their respective wins in those competitions, they will face each other in the Finalissima, where the winners of both tournaments clash. This will see Barcelona legend Lionel Messi come against a player who sees him as an icon in Lamine Yamal.

Notably, back in 2007, a 20-year-old Messi posed with Lamine Yamal as a baby during a charity calendar photoshoot (via BBC). Who would have thought that the infant would turn up less than two decades later as one of the most exciting talents for Barcelona? It will certainly be a match to watch if the two players get to face each other in Finalissima