Lamine Yamal has become the talk of the town after his recent impressive performances for FC Barcelona. Despite their financial woes, FC Barcelona continues to produce gems in their soccer academy, La Masia. Not even old enough to have a driving license, Yamal is already drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi. However, there is a viral picture of Messi and Yamal that has been making rounds on the Internet.
A picture of Lionel Messi meeting an infant Lamine Yamal has gone viral on social media platforms. The picture has already garnered almost 5 million views on X alone. However, there have been doubts raised about the authenticity of the picture. With almost no reputable sources to back the picture, it appears as if the image indeed is fake, or the baby isn’t Yamal.
Lionel Messi with Lamine Yamal as a baby. Yes this is real. pic.twitter.com/ymg4Sv2bbU
— MC (@CrewsMat10) August 27, 2023
Although Lionel Messi did meet a young Yamine Lamal once a few years ago. Yamal, who rose through the ranks in the same academy where Messi used to play, got the opportunity to click a picture alongside the ex-FC Barcelona skipper a few years ago. Moreover, it has also left fans convinced that the reason behind Yamal’s impressive performances is the picture.
When Leo Messi met the future GOAT. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5HA4e9xhTs
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) August 27, 2023
Aged just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal is currently one of FC Barcelona’s brightest prospects. He already dazzled in the pre-season and the Joan Gamper trophy against Tottenham Hotspur. Watching Yamal’s performances has left Barca fans wondering whether Yamal will inherit Messi‘s throne at the club.
Xavi hails Lamine Yamal as Lionel Messi’s replacement
Lamine Yamal put on a starring display last night during FC Barcelona’s hard-fought La Liga victory against Villareal. In a match where FC Barcelona’s senior stars were having a tough game, Yamal stole the show.
He provided the assist for the opening goal of the game with an inch-perfect cross to Gavi. With the assist, Yamal became the youngest player ever to provide an assist in La Liga at just 16 years and 45 days.
At the end of the game, Lamine Yamal was adjudged as the man-of-the-match. The FC Barcelona youngster also received a standing ovation from the Villareal supporters while being substituted off the pitch in the 76th minute. Speaking after the game, FC Barcelona coach Xavi praised Yamal’s performance. Xavi backed the 16-year-old star to have a great future and labeled his performance as “electric.“
Xavi: “Talent is valued, and Lamine Yamal is a differential player.” pic.twitter.com/tUoL1C5PXL
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 27, 2023
When Lamine Yamal made his debut for FC Barcelona a few months ago, Xavi was asked about whether Yamal could replace Lionel Messi. Xavi had replied, “He’s a similar player because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find.” The former FC Barcelona midfielder further praised Yama’s maturity and hailed him to mark the start of an era at the club.