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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Messi approaching the end of his career</li><li>Yamal already breaking records</li><li>Next generation of talent ready to step up</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi’s heir? Inter Miami superstar names Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as the ‘present & future’ of world football

<p>Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is now 37 years of age and approaching the end of a remarkable career. He is expected to play on through to the 2026 World Cup, but the day is approaching when <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-earned-right-retire-whenever-sergio-aguero-wishing-inter-miami-argentina-superstar-play-forever/bltacd7874ba1e43901" target="_blank">record-shattering boots need to be hung up for the last time</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is in a similar position, as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/gobsmacked-cristiano-ronaldo-retirement-date-revealed-former-man-utd-team-mate-rio-ferdinand/blt0cf499ce1a27f434" target="_blank">prepares to turn 40 in February 2025</a>, meaning that a new generation of talent needs to rise to the top of the global game. There are many <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-explains-why-lamine-yamal-comparisons-argentine-goat-barcelona-wonderkid/blt4880f886d29e8db6" target="_blank">exciting prospects seemingly ready to take that step</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Quizzed by renowed artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDcUJ6cOB4_/" target="_blank"><em>Goke Oyewo</em></a> on who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lamine-yamal-reacts-impossible-lionel-messi-challenge-barcelona-wonderkid-120m-transfer-admission-bid-legend/blt990a89dcc3584b73" target="_blank">reminds him most of himself</a>, with the potential there to become another all-time great, Messi said at an adidas event in Germany: "There's a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them.</p><p>"If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it's him] for me too. I agree it depends on him and many things because that's how soccer is, but he's the present and without a doubt has a huge future."</p>

WHAT MESSI SAID

<p>Yamal has been rewriting the history books, having <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/not-even-lionel-messi-this-level-barcelona-spain-wonderkid-lamine-yamal-cant-be-compared-anyone-shattering-more-records-16/bltb51de68a50e04eb8" target="_blank">made a senior breakthrough at the age of 16</a>. He already has La Liga and European Championship honours to his name, with Barca and Spain, while also <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-wonderkid-lamine-yamal-promises-follow-footsteps-idol-lionel-messi-golden-boy-winner/blta2a833c12141b22f" target="_blank">landing the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2024</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi’s heir? Inter Miami superstar names Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as the ‘present & future’ of world football | Goal.com Uganda

Lionel Messi considers Barcelona wonderkid and fellow La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal to be the natural heir to his title of best player on the planet.