Barcelona winger, Lamine Yamal, has described Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, as the greatest footballer of all time.
The Spain international said Messi’s achievements in the sport have earned him global respect, adding that the Argentine legend stands above all others.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Yamal made the remarks on Monday, April 20, after winning the Best Young Athlete award at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid.
The teenage forward expressed admiration for Messi while reflecting on his own career aspirations.
“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he’s not the best athlete of all time, he’s certainly among them,”Yamal said.
“Everyone respects him for what he’s achieved, and I hope I can follow in his footsteps.”
Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest icons, remains the most decorated player in the history of the sport, having won over 45 trophies in his illustrious career.
His achievements include multiple league titles, continental honours, and the FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina.
At 38, the Argentine forward is approaching the twilight of his career and is expected to feature in what could be his final World Cup tournament this summer.
Meanwhile, Egyptian football icon, Mohamed Salah, has spoken of his wish to leave Liverpool “in the right way” after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during a tense 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah scored the opener to set the tone in a fiercely contested clash, delivering a decisive moment in what could be his last season on Merseyside. The goal was Salah’s ninth in the derby, drawing him level with Steven Gerrard as the club’s joint-leading scorer in the fixture.
Despite an up-and-down campaign, Salah again proved decisive when it mattered most. His latest contribution keeps Liverpool firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking after the match, Salah said the team’s push for Europe’s elite competition is central to how he hopes to bring his Liverpool chapter to a close.
“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season. Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah told Sky Sports.
“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident.
“We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”
