Lamine Yamal's praise for Lionel Messi
Lamine Yamal, just 16 years old, has demonstrated his character and his "desire to conquer the world" during an interview with Onda Cero, where he revealed that he would like to be Lionel Messi's successor at Barcelona and wear the iconic number "10" jersey.
During the conversation, Yamal, who is currently with Spain competing in the European Championship, stated that "any player" would accept wearing the "10", a number historically associated with being one of the best on the field, as was the case with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. However, since the departure of the Argentine star, Ansu Fati has worn it, and although he was loaned to Brighton in the Premier League, no player has taken the number.
"Any player would accept that number at Barcelona. For now, Ansu Fati has it, and we have to respect that it’s his. I've always said that my dream is to wear it, and I would never say no to that," commented Yamal.
Currently, the young Spaniard, with Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean roots, wears the number "27" with Barcelona, following LaLiga's rule that numbers "26" to "50" are reserved for lower category players. And, although he wears the "19" with the Spanish national team, Yamal pointed out that he would wear the number 10 in honor of his idol, Lionel Messi, whom he did not miss the chance to praise.
"Obviously, Messi is the best player in history, in my opinion, and being compared to him is something incredible. I hope to have half of his career," he emphasized.
The young Barça youth player, who recently completed his secondary education, said that "thank God" he is able to fulfill his dream of participating in a European Championship with Spain at 16 years old. "La Roja" will be looking for a ticket to the quarterfinals when they face Georgia next Sunday, June 30th.
"I remember all the European Championships I've watched with my dad lying in bed, and it's a dream. I thought it would come later, but thank God it came at 16, and I am very happy," Yamal concluded.
