FIFA World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal calls Messi best in history, hails Neymar as idol
Atlanta, June 20
Spanish forward Lamine Yamal has heaped praise on Lionel Messi, calling the Argentine legend the best player in football history and dismissing any lingering debate over his legacy.
Speaking to RTVE, as quoted by FotMob, the 18-year-old Barcelona forward said Messi continues to prove his greatness in every match. However, the rising sensation Yamal revealed that Brazilian great Neymar is his idol.
"Every match proves he's the best in history. If anyone has doubts, it's because they're looking for them," Yamal said. "There's nothing more to say. My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the best," Yamal added.
Messi guided defending champions Argentina to a strong start in their World Cup title defence with a commanding performance in their 3-0 win at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday (local time).
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's hat-trick lifted his World Cup goal tally to 16, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in the tournament's history.
At 38 years and 357 days, Messi also became the oldest player to score more than once in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's long-standing record of 38 years and 34 days.
The Argentina captain has now scored in five different World Cups, becoming only the second player to achieve the feat after Cristiano Ronaldo. However, despite such milestones, Lamine Yamal insisted there is no debate over who stands as the greatest footballer of all time.
Yamal also said he is feeling fit and ready to contribute for his team, while stressing that he is still being carefully eased back into full match rhythm after recovering from a recent injury concern.
The Barcelona star continues to carefully manage a return from a hamstring injury, though the 18-year-old remains available for limited minutes in Sunday's (local time) game against Saudi Arabia in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.
Yamal played 25 minutes in Spain's shocking 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening, his first appearance 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 said, as quoted by the FotMob.
"It's not the right time to play a full match yet - but I can play for as many minutes as the manager wants. I want to be on the pitch; at the end of the day, even if you know you can't play for 90 minutes, you always want to get out there and help the team," the Barcelona star added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While Messi is great, I feel we should also appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo's contribution. He's scored in 5 World Cups too. Both are legends in their own right. But then again, Yamal is young and has his own opinion - fair play to him.
Honestly, it's refreshing to see young talent like Yamal show respect to the legends. Neymar as his idol and Messi as the best - that shows he values both flair and consistency. Hope he stays injury-free and shines for Spain! 🔥
Drawn with Cape Verde?! Spain needs to step up big time. Yamal is still recovering, but the team shouldn't rely too much on a teenager. Messi's hat-trick though - what a masterclass! That's why he's the best, no doubt.
Watching Messi play is like watching art. The way he controls the ball and creates chances - it's pure magic! And Yamal is absolutely correct to call him the best. Neymar as his idol I get, both Brazilian flair and Argentine genius - what a combo!
Big talk from Yamal but Spain hasn't won anything major since 2012. Messi has 5 World Cup goals already at this tournament and he's 38! That's insane. Youngsters should focus on performing before making such statements. Just my opinion.
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