Lamine Yamal Hopes to Follow Messi’s Path After Second Laureus Award

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has spoken openly about his admiration for Lionel Messi following his historic second Laureus Award win, stating he hopes to emulate the Argentine’s legendary career trajectory. The 18-year-old forward received the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year award at the 2026 ceremony in Madrid, making him the youngest athlete ever to win two Laureus trophies.

Speaking after the award ceremony, Yamal praised Messi’s status as one of the greatest athletes in sports history, not just football. “When you realize an athlete isn’t just a legend of their sport but of all sports — Messi, who for me is the best player in history, and if he isn’t the greatest athlete ever, he’s definitely in that conversation with all of them,” Yamal said, according to verified reports from the ceremony.

The young Barcelona star emphasized Messi’s transcendent influence beyond the pitch, noting how the Inter Miami forward has become a global icon. “He’s more than an idol. He’s a reference for all athletes,” Yamal added, reflecting on Messi’s dual Laureus World Sportsman of the Year awards in 2020 and 2023.

Yamal’s own achievement marks a significant milestone in his rapidly ascending career. Having first won the Laureus Breakthrough Award in 2025, his 2026 Young Sportsperson honor makes him the youngest double laureate in the award’s history. The recognition comes amid a breakout season where he has become a key figure for Barcelona under coach Hansi Flick.

The award ceremony in Madrid highlighted Yamal’s growing stature in world sports, with the teenager using the platform to acknowledge the mentors and family who supported his rise. “I am very happy to be the first to receive this award for best young athlete. It is a source of pride,” he stated upon accepting the trophy, before turning his focus to Messi’s enduring legacy.

Yamal’s comments reflect a deep respect for the Argentine’s professionalism and longevity at the highest level. He expressed hope that his own career could follow a similar arc of sustained excellence, though he acknowledged the immense challenge of matching such heights. “I hope to be able to follow in his footsteps,” the Barcelona star said, a sentiment widely reported across sports media following the ceremony.

The recognition places Yamal in rare company among teenage athletes who have made such an early impact on the global stage. His back-to-back Laureus honors underscore the extraordinary pace of his development since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, where he has quickly become one of La Liga’s most exciting talents.

As Yamal continues his development at Barcelona, the comparison to Messi’s early career remains inevitable, though the young Spaniard maintains focus on his own journey. His immediate focus remains on helping Barcelona compete for La Liga and Champions League honors, with the Laureus recognition serving as both an honor and motivation for continued growth.

The next major milestone in Yamal’s career will be his continued participation in Barcelona’s La Liga campaign, where he aims to build on his impressive early-season form. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the young star progresses toward his stated goal of emulating the sustained excellence demonstrated by Messi throughout his career.

For continued updates on Lamine Yamal’s career and Barcelona’s La Liga progress, stay tuned to trusted sports news sources. The young star’s journey remains one of the most compelling storylines in world football today.