FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi is 40 but has an edge over everyone, says Spain’s Yamal

Spanish teenage winger Lamine Yamal says he has still made a lot of progress in his young career, with fans yet to see the best.

«I see myself much better than people see me. I know that the road ahead is very long and that I still have many things to improve,» he said in an interview with The country newspaper published on Sunday. The 18-year-old has struggled with injuries ahead of the 2026 World Cup but is expected to feature in Spain’s match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday after making a late substitution in their disappointing opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

«I know people see me as if this is my level and that’s it. But I can use all that confidence I have for many things. I maintain: I still have a long way to go, a lot to improve. And a lot, a lot of football,» he added in the interview.

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Yamal, who plays club football for Barcelona, ​​said he doubted he would be playing at the top level at the age of 40 like Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

«Impossible. For me, Messi is the best and he continues to prove it. He is ahead of everyone and he is 40 years old,» he said.

Yamal said he started playing street football, while others often started with local clubs being told what to do instead of enjoying the game.

«The problem I see now with the players is that they join a football team at the age of four, and about the team they say, ‘Okay, the full-back has to control the ball and pass it to the winger; the winger has to control the ball and pass it to the midfielder,'» he said.

Being famous from ‌13 had its price, he said, and prevented him from doing normal things, such as shopping or going to the cinema, because he was always recognised.

Published on June 21, 2026