Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal Calls Lionel Messi ‘Role Model’ After Winning Golden Boy Award
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Yamal spoke about his admiration for the former Barcelona superstar Messi, stating that the Argentine is a role model for everyone and a player all kids look up to.
Lionel Messi (left) and Lamine Yamal (AP Photo)
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has revealed why he admires club legend Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar recently congratulated Yamal on winning the Golden Boy Award. A product of the La Masia academy, Yamal has already drawn comparisons with Messi, with his stunning performance, not only for the club but also for the Spanish national team. The youngster secured the coveted Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in October. Apart from being named the best U-21 player, Yamal finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings as well.
Messi sent a special message to Yamal and another Barcelona prodigy, Vicky Lopez, the winner of the 2024 Golden Girl Award, after the duo claimed the top prizes at the 2024 Golden Boy Gala. The achievements led Yamal and Lopez to become part of the elite group of young players who would receive Messi+10 boots this year.
Messi was proud to see the Barcelona teenagers atop the podium. In a social media post, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner praised Yamal and Lopez for their passion and dedication to the game. He dropped a video of the youngsters showing off their Messi+10 boots.
“Lamine, Vicky: this award is the result of not just talent, but also of hard work and sacrifice. It makes me proud that you are part of Messi+10. Congratulations and keep going,” Messi wrote in the caption.
In the same footage, Yamal spoke about his admiration for the former Barcelona man. “In the end, what I admire most about Messi’s style is the ease with which he does everything. A role model for everyone and a player all kids look up to,” the 17-year-old said.
Yamal is the youngest ever to receive the Golden Boy Award. Last year, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham took home the title at 20. Meanwhile, Lopez is the third recipient of the Golden Girl Award. In 2023, Real Madrid’s Lina Caicedo claimed the prized accolade.
Speaking about Yamal, the talented winger will remain out of action for the remainder of 2024. He picked up an unfortunate ankle injury in the last La Liga clash against Leganes which Barcelona lost 1-0. Despite the defeat, the Catalans remain at the top of the league table with 38 points in 18 matches.
