Barcelona wonderkid, Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene earlier this year and has shown a lot of promise whenever he steps on the pitch.

The 16-year-old recently said he wants to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps by winning the Golden Boy Award.

Yamal has been breаking records ever since he made his debut for Barcelona on April 29. He was just 15 years, nine months and 16 days old. He became their youngest player ever, per 90min.

He broke a few more records at Barcelona before shattering more while on international duty with Spain. He became his country’s youngest player and goal-scorer a few months ago.

Yamal has played every game for the Catalan giants this season. He has made 20 appearances, which has given him valuable experience with the first team.

Lamine Yamal on emulating Messi

The hard work of the La Masia graduate was rewarded with the Youngest Award at Golden Boy 2023. He wants to win the Golden Boy Award, just like his idol Messi, who won the award in 2005.

Messi is Barcelona’s greatest player without a shadow of a doubt and Yamal got to see him dazzle at the Camp Nou.

“He is my idol. He always has been; he continues to be now that I play for Barcelona. He inspired me. I have never had another idol. I once took a photo with him. I was unknown. Maybe one day I will be like him.”

His current Barcelona teammates, Pedri and Gavi have both won the Golden Boy Award. THese two players have established themselves in the first team for both club and country.

Moreover, Yamal is a left-footer and the right-wing position is up for grabs.

Lamine Yamal compared to Lionel Messi

In related coverage, Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal has been compared to Lionel Messi by his head coach, Xavi Hernandez.

Yamal, who made history as the Catalan giants’ youngest-ever La Liga debutant, is being likened to the club’s greatest footballer.

The youngster is also a product from the La Masia academy and is a mainstay of the first team at 16, as Sports Brief reported.