Lamine Yamal Names Lionel Messi as the Greatest Player in Football History

Lamine Yamal has made his position very clear. He believes Lionel Messi is the greatest player in football history.

There is no debate in his mind. The Barcelona and Spain winger has said this many times over the past year.

Coming from the player seen as Messi's heir, the words carry extra weight. During the 2026 World Cup, Yamal spoke to RTVE.

He said every match Messi plays proves he is the greatest. If anyone still has doubts, Yamal feels they are looking for reasons to doubt.

Yamal also explained the difference between his idol and the best ever. He said his personal idol is Neymar.

But Messi is the best player in history. He said there is nothing more to say on the matter.

In April 2026, Yamal received the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year award. During his speech, he praised Messi beyond football.

He said when you realise an athlete is a legend not just of their sport but of all sports, that is Messi. He called Messi the best player ever.

He added that if Messi is not the greatest athlete of all time, he is certainly in that conversation. Yamal also said Messi is more than an idol.