Lamine Yamal: “Messi is the greatest of all time”

The FC Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, did not hesitate to settle the eternal debate. The young Spanish international named Lionel Messi, today captain of Inter Miami, as the greatest player in the history of football. Crowned best young athlete at the Laureus Awards 2026, on Monday in Madrid, the Blaugrana prodigy saluted the legacy left by the Argentine star.

“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he isn’t the best athlete of all time, he certainly ranks among them.”, he confided, in remarks relayed by Barça Universal. “Everyone respects him for what he has accomplished, and I hope to be able to follow in his footsteps.” A true reference for an entire generation, Messi remains the most decorated player in the history of football, with more than 45 trophies to his tally, including a World Cup won with Argentina. At 38, the former number 10 of Barça is nearing the end of his career. The Argentine striker could play his last World Cup in the coming months, the final chapter of an extraordinary career.