Lamine Yamil says it is ‘incredible’ to inspire kids like Lionel Messi did

Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal said it is incredible to inspire kids like Lionel Messi did during his heyday. The young Spaniard has scored six goals and has provided 12 assists in 30 matches of the La Liga for Barcelona.

Overall, Yamal has scored 14 goals and created 22 more this season. Barcelona are afloat in three competitions, the Copa del Rey, Champions League and La Liga, and the Spaniard has played a key role in his club’s success.

“It’s incredible,” he told ESPN as part of the new Powerade Campaign which features “The 304” film in reference to his neighbourhood. “When I was a kid, I wore Neymar’s shirts, Messi’s jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I’m their inspiration, at least in football.

“It’s something I never thought would happen so fast: [seeing] those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who’s only four years older than them. It is amazing.

“My mum always tells me to think about [the significance]; that it doesn’t happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most.”

Yamal made his International debut for Spain as a 15-year-old in 2023 and also played a key role in the team’s Championship run in the Euros.

The youngster said his parents have always supported him in his journey to the top level and have helped him rise through the ranks.

“My parents were my references in everything,” he added. “Everybody always tells me that I have a bit of my mum and a bit of my dad. I think that on the pitch I have a lot of my father and off the pitch I have a lot of my mother.

“They are two people I have grown up with and they have taught me everything. They have fought for me. The affection my father has for me is unimaginable. Thanks to him I have learned the love that one has for the family, because he is a person that gives a lot of love to people.

“So I believe that everything I have and that I will have is thanks to them. I always say I will never be able to thank them fully, but I will try.”

Barca will play the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday.