Lamine Yamal has taken the soccer world by surprise this season, becoming a sensation on the pitch. He came through the Barcelona academy and at just 16 years of age, he has become one of the club’s most important players. He is already breaking many records, both for his club and the Spanish national team.
Many fans have likened him to former Barcelona player and legend Lionel Messi as the two of them share many similar traits. While Yamal has a lot to prove, he has already followed Messi on one certain path.
Lamine Yamal emulates Lionel Messi with latest move
Lamine Yamal has been outstanding for Barcelona this season, especially considering it’s his first season with the team. At a young age, he has established himself as a key player under the guidance of manager Xavi. He’s been a key player for them, netting 5 goals and providing 7 assists. Given his current performance, the rising forward has the potential to emerge as the team’s standout player, following in the footsteps of his role model Lionel Messi.
Both players exhibit striking similarities in their playing styles, particularly in their dribbling techniques and body language on the field. Yamal has now emulated his idol in another aspect, albeit outside the field of play.
The 16 year old is showing immense influence and is surely one of the players of the future. And this has earned him a contract with European footwear giants Adidas, the same sponsor behind Lionel Messi. The partnership was announced on Monday and the two will be involved for a long time.
Interestingly, Lamine was involved with their American competitors Nike but left them for Adidas. This is similar to Messi, who did the same during the beginning of his career. Yamal will also wear the Adidas X Crazyfast Leo Messi ‘Spark Gen10s’ that is only worn by Messi currently.
Yamal’s first meeting with Lionel Messi
Lamine Yamal also disclosed that Lionel Messi has been an idol since the beginning, and that may have factored into his decision to sign for Adidas. He said, “I am proud to join Adidas, as it has always been the brand of the best. Growing up, I idolized Leo Messi, who has been with Adidas since I started watching football.”
As he grew up in the famous La Masia academy and as a supporter of the Catalan club, he has always followed Messi. And he even once got to meet his idol very long ago. It was when he was just 12 years old, and he was training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Messi is known to sometimes check out the youth games and training, and it was then that the two met and clicked a picture as well.
Unfortunately, Yamal never got to share the pitch with his idol, as Messi left the club long ago in 2021. However, Messi did recently praise the youngster, highlighting him as one of the players to win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
Lamine Yamal will now focus on his next game with Barcelona on Monday against Athletic Club in the league.
