Barcelona’s future Ballon d’Or contender reveals his idol

Barcelona might have taken too many front steps in regard to their approach to Ansu Fati.

The youngster was regarded as the next Lionel Messi in the early stages of his career. As it happened, he was given the prestigious number ten shirt shortly after Messi’s departure.

But Fati’s rise to prominence did not last long as the youngster struggled with injuries and inconsistency, which eventually led to a loan move to Brighton & Hove Albion.

In Lamine Yamal, though, Barcelona have another talent ready to follow in the footsteps of Messi and become the club’s face in the years to come.

Lamine Yamal idolises Leo Messi

Currently gearing up for the upcoming international friendlies with the Spanish national team, Yamal has recently admitted that he idolises Lionel Messi.

When asked about his idol (h/t MARCA), the forward did not even hesitate to name Messi, which is hardly surprising given the Argentine’s lasting legacy at the club.

Yamal has been often compared to Messi (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

In fact, Yamal has been compared to Messi multiple times throughout the course of the season, especially after a series of excellent performances in La Liga.

Although Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona have opted to play down the comparisons, perhaps in the interest of the player, Yamal continues to make waves across European football.

It is true that Yamal must go a long way if he is to even remotely reach Messi’s status, but the youngster has shown early green shoots.

The onus is now on Barcelona to take care of Yamal’s fitness and nurture the player well in the years to come.

With the right guidance, there is a stark possibility he can become the face of the Barça frontline and even become a contender for the Ballon d’Or after ha