Lamine Yamal Reveals Messi’s Passing Genius Shaped His Game

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has opened up about the specific aspect of Lionel Messi’s game that captivated him during his childhood. In a recent CBS 60 Minutes interview, the 18-year-old winger explained how he spent countless hours studying the Argentine legend’s passing prowess rather than his famous dribbling skills or goal-scoring ability.

The Art of Messi’s Passes

Yamal emphasized that what truly fascinated him was the intelligence behind Messi’s passing game. “As a kid, I used to study Messi’s passes. Other players made good passes, but Messi’s passes were pretty much goals,” he revealed. The young Barcelona star highlighted that he valued clever passing far more than dribbling, viewing it as a more sophisticated element of football. This focused approach shaped his understanding of the game from an early age, allowing him to develop a more tactical and intelligent playing style.

Beyond Personal Glory

Despite his meteoric rise and the pressure of inheriting Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt, Yamal maintains a grounded perspective on success. He stressed that he avoids dwelling on external expectations, instead concentrating purely on enjoying the game and staying mentally balanced. The youngster revealed that personal records hold little interest for him—his primary goal is to inspire others and bring joy to fans through football.

“My goal isn’t to break all records, to score a million goals,” Yamal stated. “I would like to change people’s day. If someone is sad and watches my match, I want their mood to improve.” This philosophy reflects his mature understanding of football’s broader impact beyond statistics and accolades.