‘There’s no doubt’ – Lionel Messi gives his verdict on Barcelona star Lamine Yamal

(COMBO) This combination of file pictures created on November 14, 2025, shows Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (L) walking onto the pitch prior to the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on June 5, 2025, and Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi looking on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on June 10, 2025. The Finalissima between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain will be played in March on neutral ground, said CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez on November 20, 2025, in Asuncion, speaking to AFP and a Paraguayan media outlet. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO and Franck FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Lionel Messi says there’s no doubt at all that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is the best of the latest generations of footballers making a mark on the world.

Yamal has taken over Messi’s No. 10 shirt at Barcelona and has been widely tipped to follow in the Argentine’s footsteps and go on and become the best player in the world. Messi spoke about the future of football at a recent event and gave his blessing to Yamal.

“There is a new generation of footballers who are very good and who have many years ahead of them, but if I have to choose one because of age, for what he has done so far and for the future he may have, he is Lamine. There’s no doubt, for me he’s the best,” he said, as reported by Sport. Yamal finished second behind Ousmane Dembele at the last Ballon d’Or awards at the tender age of just 18 and will be among the favorites for top spot again this year.

The Barca star is set to win his third La Liga title this season with Barcelona and will then head to the World Cup with Spain.