Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has once again weighed in on football's greatest-ever debate, declaring Lionel Messi the best player in history while revealing that Neymar remains his personal idol.
Speaking during the FIFA World Cup 2026, the 18-year-old Barcelona and Spain star said there should be no debate over Messi's place at the top of world football. Yamal praised the Argentine legend for his achievements and continued brilliance, especially after Messi's impressive performances at the ongoing tournament.
At the same time, Yamal made it clear that Neymar has been his biggest inspiration growing up. While Messi is, in his view, the greatest player ever, he described the Brazilian superstar as the footballer he admired most as a child and the player whose style influenced him the most.
Yamal also rejected comparisons with Messi, insisting that he wants to build his own legacy rather than be seen as the next Messi. The Spanish winger said he respects the Argentine icon immensely but prefers to follow his own path and create his own story in football.
The comments come as Yamal continues to establish himself as one of the brightest stars of World Cup 2026. After helping Spain win Euro 2024 and enjoying another outstanding season with Barcelona, the teenager has emerged as one of the faces of the new generation expected to carry world football forward once legends like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo retire.
For now, however, Yamal believes the throne still belongs to Messi, while Neymar remains the player who inspired his footballing journey.
