Madrid: Spain’s rising football star Lamine Yamal has declared Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history, while revealing that Brazilian icon Neymar remains his personal idol, offering fresh insight into the mindset of one of the sport’s brightest young talents.

The 18-year-old Barcelona forward made the remarks during an interaction with RTVE, where he dismissed any ongoing debate about Messi’s legacy. Yamal emphasised that the Argentine legend continues to prove his superiority with consistent performances, reinforcing his status as the benchmark in world football.

Messi’s greatness beyond debate

Yamal’s comments come at a time when Lionel Messi is once again making headlines with his performances on the global stage. Leading Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi recently delivered a stunning hat-trick in a 3-0 victory, underlining his enduring brilliance.

“Every match proves he’s the best in history. If anyone has doubts, it’s because they’re looking for them. There’s nothing more to say,” Yamal stated, reflecting the admiration many young footballers have for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi’s latest achievements have only strengthened his legacy. The Argentina captain’s World Cup tally now stands at 16 goals, equalling the long-standing record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Additionally, he became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla’s previous record.

The veteran forward has also scored in five different World Cups, a feat matched only by Cristiano Ronaldo, further cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Neymar remains Yamal’s inspiration

Despite his admiration for Messi, Yamal revealed that Neymar has been his biggest influence growing up. The Brazilian forward, known for his flair, creativity and attacking instincts, has inspired a generation of players, including the young Spaniard.

“My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the best,” Yamal said, drawing a clear distinction between personal inspiration and objective greatness.

Neymar’s impact on modern football, particularly during his time at Barcelona alongside Messi, left a lasting impression on fans and aspiring players alike. His style of play, characterised by skill and improvisation, appears to resonate strongly with Yamal’s own approach on the field.

Managing fitness and recovery

Yamal also provided an update on his fitness as he continues his gradual return from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward has been carefully managed by his team to avoid aggravating the issue, with limited minutes being allocated during matches.

He made a brief appearance in Spain’s opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026, a goalless draw against Cape Verde, marking his first outing in nearly two months.

“I’m fine, I’m feeling good, but it’s too soon, it’s unnecessary; I’m still settling in,” Yamal explained, indicating that he is not yet ready for a full 90-minute performance.

The youngster added that while he is eager to contribute, he understands the importance of a cautious approach to recovery. “It’s not the right time to play a full match yet, but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants,” he said.

Spain’s campaign and Yamal’s role

Spain’s unexpected draw in their opening match has added pressure ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Yamal’s availability, even in a limited capacity, could prove crucial as the team looks to secure a place in the knockout stages.

The forward is expected to feature in Spain’s next game against Saudi Arabia, where his creativity and attacking threat may provide the spark needed to unlock opposition defences.

Conclusion

Lamine Yamal’s remarks highlight both his deep respect for Lionel Messi’s unparalleled achievements and his personal admiration for Neymar’s influence on his playing style. As the young forward continues to develop his career, balancing inspiration with ambition, he represents the next generation poised to carry forward the legacy of football’s greats. Meanwhile, Messi’s ongoing exploits ensure that debates around greatness may persist, but for Yamal, the answer is already clear.