Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, has revealed the unique aspect of Lionel Messi's game that captivated him most as a young, aspiring footballer: his passing ability. In a recent interview, the 18-year-old sensation explained that while many are mesmerized by Messi's goals and dribbling, he was drawn to the Argentinian's incisive and often overlooked passes.
Yamal, who has drawn comparisons to Messi due to his left-footedness and flair on the field, stated that he would spend hours studying Messi's passes, trying to decipher the genius behind them. "As a kid, I used to study Messi's passes," Yamal said in a CBS 60 Minutes segment. "Other players made good passes, but Messi's passes were pretty much goals. I always thought passing was more interesting than dribbling. They're somewhat more clever". He admired the ease with which Messi executed everything.
Interestingly, Yamal revealed that he wasn't always a dribbler himself. "It's weird, because as a kid I was never really a dribbler. I was more of a goalscorer and I ran a lot". This makes his fascination with Messi's passing even more intriguing, highlighting a deep appreciation for the strategic and creative aspects of the game.
Despite the inevitable comparisons to Messi, Yamal is determined to forge his own path. "I don't want to be Messi, and Messi knows that I don't want to be him," Yamal stated. "I want to follow my own path, and that's it. I have no intention of being – of playing like him or being – or wearing the number 10 that Messi wore, or anything like that". He acknowledges Messi's legendary status, calling him "the best in history". However, he is focused on creating his own legacy at Barcelona.
Yamal's comments reflect a growing maturity and understanding of the game beyond individual brilliance. He recognizes the importance of teamwork, vision, and precise passing in unlocking defenses and creating scoring opportunities.
The young winger is aware of the pressures and expectations that come with being a Barcelona player, especially with the constant comparisons to Messi. However, he remains grounded, focusing on enjoying the game and bringing joy to the fans. "My football is about fun. I play so people can enjoy watching," he said. "It is not about a million records or a million goals". He also expressed his desire to positively impact people's lives through football: "I wish I could change people's days. If someone is sad and comes to the match, they watch me play, and their day gets better, then they go home happier than before".
As Lamine Yamal continues his journey at Barcelona, his admiration for Lionel Messi's passing genius serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not only in individual skill but also in the ability to elevate the game of those around you. While he aims to carve his own unique path, the lessons learned from studying Messi's "clever" passes will undoubtedly contribute to his development as a world-class player.
