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Messi Hails Lamine Yamal as New Generation's Best, Reflects on Ronaldo Rivalry

Lionel Messi has named Lamine Yamal as the best young player of the new generation during an Adidas event. He also reflected on his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, describing it as a great sporting battle. Messi emphasized that despite the competition, their relationship was always respectful. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches.

Key Points: Messi Names Lamine Yamal Best Young Player, Reflects on Ronaldo Rivalry

  • Messi names Lamine Yamal as the best young player
  • He reflects on his historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Messi says their relationship was always respectful
  • 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches
2 min read

Messi calls Lamine Yamal "the best" player of new generation, reflects on rivalry with Ronaldo

Lionel Messi calls Lamine Yamal the best young player, discusses his historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, and looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"There is a new generation of players who are very good... If I had to pick one of them... it would be Lamine. No doubt about it: for me, he's the best. - Lionel Messi"

New Delhi, May 10

Football icon Lionel Messi has hailed rising Spanish talent Lamine Yamal as the "best" young player of new generation, while also reflecting on his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking at an Adidas event for a FIFA World Cup 2026 promotional campaign, Messi said Yamal stood out among the new generation of footballers due to his performances and long-term potential.

"There is a new generation of players who are very good and have many years ahead of them. If I had to pick one of them, based on his age, his performances so far and his prospects for the future, it would be Lamine. No doubt about it: for me, he's the best," Messi said, as quoted by Goal.com.

The Argentina captain also spoke about his historic rivalry with Ronaldo, describing it as one of the greatest sporting battles in football history.

"It was a great sporting rivalry. We fought for everything, as a team and individually too. So people were always comparing us. But our relationship was always good and respectful," Messi said.

He further added that while their interactions were limited, they always maintained mutual respect.

"We didn't cross paths much outside of matches and award ceremonies, but when we did, we got on well," he said.

Meanwhile, the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, starting from June 11, will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, with the opening game scheduled in Mexico City and the final to be held in New Jersey.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Divya L
As an Indian football fan, it's heartwarming to see the rivalry with Ronaldo being described as "respectful." So many of us grew up fighting over who's better, and hearing this from Messi himself puts things in perspective. Yamal is definitely one to watch! ✨
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Arjun K
Messi praising Yamal is classy, but let's not forget there are other young stars like Haaland, Mbappe, Bellingham who also deserve mention. Still, the way Messi handled the Ronaldo rivalry is something our Indian cricket fans can learn from - respect, not hate. Just a thought.
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Shreya B
The World Cup being expanded to 48 teams is exciting for countries like India who hope to qualify someday. But I hope the quality doesn't get diluted. Anyway, Messi's words about Ronaldo are pure gold - two legends who pushed each other to greatness. 🏆
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Nikhil C
Yamal is brilliant, no doubt. But calling him "the best" of the new generation already? I'd wait a few years to see if he sustains this level. Ronaldo and Messi set the bar so high that even their own standards are tough to match. Let's see how Lamine develops.
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Priya S
As someone from Chennai who wakes up at 2am to watch La Liga, this interview is everything. Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry defined my teenage years. And now seeing him back Yamal - it's like watching football's torch being passed. Respect to the 🐐!

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