The best player in the world according to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. cry

In a fascinating moment that brings together the current and future stars of football, Lionel Messi, the iconic former Barcelona and PSG forward, has named Lamine Yamal as the best player of the new generation. Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, didn’t hesitate when asked who stood out among the younger talents.

Messi’s Praise for Lamine Yamal

During an interview, Messi was quick to acknowledge the talents of several rising stars, but he focused on one player in particular. “There are many good players from the new generation, but I’ll mention one because of his age and what he has been doing,” Messi explained, before concluding with a definitive statement: “It’s Lamine Yamal, he’s already the present and the future.”

Yamal, at just 16 years old, has been making waves in Barcelona’s first team, impressing fans and pundits alike with his maturity and skill on the pitch.

A Historic Connection Between Messi and Yamal

While Messi and Yamal have never played together on the pitch at Camp Nou, their bond dates back to a unique photograph. The image, taken in 2007, shows a young Messi and a baby Yamal sharing a special moment. The photo was shared by Mounir Nasraoui, Yamal’s father, on Instagram and went viral after it was included in a charitable calendar by the club.

This historical picture of a young Messi with baby Yamal and his family had been kept private by the families until Nasraoui’s recent post, which brought attention to the early connection between the two players.

Lamine Yamal’s Rising Star Power

Recently, Lamine Yamal earned significant recognition after being named MVP in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. In that match, Yamal showed his resilience and tactical awareness, crucially stating that it’s “important to know how to resist” in such competitive environments. He also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, which he did by scoring in the vital match.

Key Points About Lamine Yamal and Messi’s Admiration

• Messi’s Endorsement: Messi identified Yamal as the standout player of the new generation, calling him both the present and the future of football.
• Historical Photo: A viral 2007 photo shows a young Messi with a baby Yamal, further cementing their early connection.
• Rising Star: Lamine Yamal, at 16, has already established himself as a key player for Barcelona.
• MVP Performance: Yamal’s recent MVP performance against Borussia Dortmund highlights his growing influence on the pitch.