Lamine Yamal responds to Lionel Messi comparisons: ‘I hope I can follow his footsteps’

TL;DR

Lamine Yamal, at just 18, won the World’s Young Sportsman of the Year award at the Laureus World Sports Awards. He expressed hope to follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps amid comparisons.

Key points

Lamine Yamal won the World’s Young Sportsman of the Year award
He is 18 years old
Yamal plays for Barcelona
He expressed hope to follow Lionel Messi's footsteps
He was a standout at the Laureus World Sports Awards

Lamine YamalLionel MessiBarcelonaLaureus World Sports Awards

Lamine Yamal responds to Lionel Messi comparisons: ‘I hope I can follow his footsteps’

It was meant to be a night celebrating the world’s finest athletes, but in many ways, Lamine Yamal made it his own.

The Barcelona forward was one of the standout names at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

At just 18, Yamal walked away with the World’s Young Sportsman of the Year award, a moment that felt significant not just for him, but for Barcelona’s future.

Receiving the prize from Brazilian legend Cafu, the youngster looked composed, almost unfazed by the scale of the occasion.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Yamal reflected on the weight that comes with his growing influence.

Instead of shying away from it, he embraced it with a level of awareness rarely seen at his age.

“It’s hard to realise that it’s a responsibility and you can’t make mistakes because you’re a role model for many children, but I take it as a positive thing.

“That’s why whenever I send out a message, I try to do so meaningfully and to help more people.

“Keeping this in mind, I’ll make mistakes sometimes, but I’m 18 years old,” said the Barça player.

On comparisons with Messi

Naturally, conversations around Yamal often drift towards comparisons and influences, and he did not hesitate when asked about his biggest inspiration.