'No Doubt': Lionel Messi Names Lamine Yamal as His Successor as Barcelona Star Dubbed World’s Best

By: Shawn
‎Lionel Messi has placed Lamine Yamal firmly at the centre of football’s future, describing the Barcelona youngster as the player who stands out above all others. Speaking at an Adidas event, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner expressed total confidence in the teenager’s rise.
‎
‎At an Adidas event, Lionel Messi praised Lamine Yamal as his natural heir, calling the Barcelona teenager the best in world football with a huge future.
‎Getty Images Sport (2)
‎
‎Messi explained that while many young players are emerging, Yamal is the one he would choose without hesitation. He stated that based on what the winger has already achieved and what lies ahead, there is no uncertainty in his mind that the Barcelona talent is currently the best.
‎
‎The Spanish club’s prodigy, developed at La Masia, has already taken on enormous responsibility at Camp Nou, including wearing the iconic No.10 shirt once associated with Messi himself. His rapid development has drawn constant comparisons with the Argentine legend due to his close control, vision, and exceptional dribbling in one-on-one situations.
‎
‎Despite his progress, Yamal is currently dealing with a hamstring issue that has kept him out of action. Even so, he remains an important figure for Hansi Flick’s side as they continue their pursuit of more silverware, including a potential third La Liga title this season. Club staff are also carefully managing his recovery.
‎
‎Looking ahead, Yamal is expected to play a major role for Spain at the upcoming World Cup in June. After his impressive performances at Euro 2024, expectations remain high that he can lead the national team on another deep tournament run and possibly achieve football’s greatest prize.

MORE FROM ABOVE SCORE

Rene Meulensteen Explains Why Memphis Depay Never Became a Consistent Star at Europe’s Biggest Clubs

Image
Memphis Depay has enjoyed a career filled with high-profile moves, major clubs, and international recognition, yet questions remain over whether the Dutch forward could have achieved even more at the highest level of European football. The former PSV Eindhoven star currently plays for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in Brazil after previous spells with Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais and Atletico Madrid. Although he has earned 108 appearances for the Netherlands national football team, he never truly became a dominant figure for Europe’s elite clubs. ‎ ‎Memphis Depay’s former coaches explain why the Dutch forward struggled to consistently shine at Europe’s top clubs. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) Memphis’ rise began in the Eredivisie, where his performances for PSV and Golden Boot-winning campaign convinced United to invest £25 million ($34m) in the attacker in 2015. Supporters at Old Trafford believed the talented winger could become one of the Premier League...
Read more

Antony Declares 'Best Season' After Matching Kylian Mbappe Record in La Liga

Image
‎Antony’s resurgence in Spanish football showed no signs of slowing down after the Real Betis winger reached another impressive milestone in La Liga. The Brazilian scored in Betis’ 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad, drawing level with Kylian Mbappe for one of the league’s standout attacking statistics this season. ‎ ‎The former Manchester United winger has become increasingly dangerous from long range since moving to Spain. His strike at Anoeta was his fifth goal from outside the box in La Liga this season, putting him alongside Mbappe at the top of that category. ‎ ‎Antony continued his Real Betis resurgence by equaling Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga outside-the-box goal tally. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎The achievement reflects the growing confidence Antony has displayed under Manuel Pellegrini after struggling to consistently impress in the Premier League. His influence in the Betis attack has continued to grow as the season progresses. ‎ ‎Speaking after the match, Antony highligh...
Read more

Austin FC Sack Coach Nico Estevez and Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell After Poor MLS Run

Image
Austin FC have announced sweeping changes ahead of the World Cup break, confirming the departures of head coach Nico Estevez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell after a difficult start to the MLS season. The club made the announcement on Monday following another disappointing result, a 2-1 home defeat against Sporting Kansas City. Despite earning three points, Sporting KC remain bottom of the Western Conference after winning only two of their opening 12 matches. The loss came shortly after Austin FC suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to San Diego FC, the heaviest loss in club history. ‎ ‎Austin FC part ways with Nico Estevez and Rodolfo Borrell after disappointing MLS results and poor Western Conference form. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ Austin FC confirmed that a search for both a new sporting director and head coach is already underway. The club has appointed Excel Sports Management’s executive search division, Excel Search & Advisory, to oversee the recruitment process d...
Read more

Pep Guardiola to Leave Manchester City After FA Cup and Carabao Cup Wins as Enzo Maresca Emerges

Image
‎After a decade filled with trophies and record-breaking achievements, Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season. ‎ ‎Sources familiar with the situation indicate Guardiola is preparing to depart this summer despite having a contract running until June 2027. His exit would conclude one of the most successful managerial spells English football has seen. ‎ Manchester City are preparing for Pep Guardiola’s departure, with Enzo Maresca tipped to become the club’s next manager. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea FC on Saturday delivered Guardiola’s 20th major trophy with the club. Combined with their Carabao Cup success earlier this season, the campaign has added more silverware to an already historic era. ‎ ‎Attention has now turned toward Guardiola’s successor, with Enzo Maresca expected to step into the role. The former Chelsea head coach had already been identified in December by The Athletic as a leading can...
Read more

Mourinho Plays Down Real Madrid Return Talk, Praises Roma Experience

Image
‎Jose Mourinho has addressed increasing speculation surrounding a potential return to Real Madrid, firmly shifting attention back to his current responsibilities with Benfica. The experienced coach also reflected on his past, highlighting his time at AS Roma as the most meaningful chapter of his career. ‎ ‎Jose Mourinho reacts to Real Madrid return speculation, confirms focus on Benfica, and names Roma as the most memorable experience of his coaching career. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Madrid speculation grows ‎ ‎Reports have suggested that Real Madrid could be considering Mourinho as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, with club president Florentino Perez reportedly leading efforts to bring the Portuguese manager back. The Spanish giants, known for their European dominance, are said to be searching for stability after a difficult period. ‎ ‎Despite the growing links, Mourinho avoided engaging directly with the speculation, choosing instead to remain focused on his current ro...
Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo Warned Against MLS Move Because He 'Doesn’t Have Lionel Messi Magic'

Image
‎Former MLS forward Bradley Wright-Phillips has advised Cristiano Ronaldo against making a move to Major League Soccer, suggesting the Portuguese icon may not enjoy the same success that Lionel Messi has experienced with Inter Miami CF. ‎ ‎Bradley Wright-Phillips warns Cristiano Ronaldo against joining MLS, claiming Lionel Messi still has the “magic” needed to dominate the league. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎Ronaldo, who currently represents Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League, has regularly been linked with a future switch to the United States before ending his playing career. However, Wright-Phillips believes the demands of MLS, combined with the pressure placed on global superstars, could create difficulties for the 41-year-old forward. ‎ ‎The former New York Red Bulls striker argued that Messi still possesses the ability to influence matches at the highest level, something he is uncertain Ronaldo can consistently produce in MLS. ‎ ‎Speaking through Covers.com soccer bettin...
Read more

FIFA Rush to Introduce 'Anti-Arsenal Law' for the World Cup in Latest Set of Rule Changes—England Singled Out

Image
‎A new World Cup regulation, already being labelled the “anti-Arsenal law,” is set to reshape how set pieces are played, with FIFA and IFAB introducing stricter enforcement against blocking during corners and free kicks. ‎ ‎The updated rule focuses on eliminating pushing, shoving, and obstructive movement that prevents defenders from challenging for the ball. It specifically targets situations where attacking players act as blockers before the ball is delivered, a practice increasingly common in modern set-piece routines. ‎ ‎World Cup set-piece rule change bans blocking at corners, impacting Premier League tactics and Arsenal’s style. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Under the new interpretation, players can now be penalised even before the ball is kicked if they are found obstructing an opponent’s movement. The rule has been inspired by concepts seen in basketball, where screening opponents is tightly regulated. ‎ ‎The change will be implemented at the upcoming World Cup and roll...
Read more

Man Utd and Liverpool Set for Transfer Showdown Over Micky van de Ven

Image
Manchester United and Liverpool FC are reportedly gearing up for a major transfer clash over Micky van de Ven, with both clubs targeting the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back ahead of the upcoming window. Despite Tottenham’s challenging campaign, Van de Ven’s reputation has grown significantly, placing him high on the shortlist of both North West clubs. According to reports, the defender has become a key focus as each side looks to strengthen at the back. ‎ ‎Manchester United and Liverpool are preparing a fierce transfer battle for Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as interest intensifies ahead of summer. ‎Getty Images Sport  United’s interest is driven by the need to add depth and quality to their defence, particularly with injuries affecting consistency this season. The club is keen on bringing in a left-footed central defender capable of competing with Lisandro Martinez, and Van de Ven fits that profile. The 25-year-old’s performances have impressed scouts at both Old ...
Read more

Guardiola Explains Why Jérémy Doku Can Reach Level of Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal

Image
‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Jérémy Doku has all the qualities needed to become one of football’s elite wingers after the Belgian’s recent burst of goalscoring form. ‎ ‎Doku has found the net in three successive matches, giving Manchester City an important attacking edge as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal in the closing weeks of the Premier League season. ‎ ‎Jeremy Doku’s recent scoring form has convinced Pep Guardiola he can become one of football’s elite wingers. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎After City defeated Brentford 3-0, Guardiola was questioned about whether Doku could eventually match the standards set by Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal. ‎ ‎"Yeah, for sure," said Guardiola. "And always accept being pushed. Always accept that. And that is so nice. We are really pleased. Now he is winning games. But he has always been really, really good." ‎ ‎The Spanish coach also humorously remarked that managers are often praised when play...
Read more

Shakira, Madonna and BTS Confirmed for Historic 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show

Image
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will make history with the introduction of its first-ever halftime show, and FIFA has selected Shakira, Madonna, and BTS as the headline performers for the occasion. Scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event is intended to merge elite football with large-scale live entertainment while supporting educational opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. ‎ The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show led by Shakira, Madonna and BTS at MetLife Stadium. ‎Getty Images Entertainment  The announcement was delivered through a creative social media presentation featuring characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. FIFA also confirmed that Chris Martin will oversee the halftime production. Each performer enters the tournament period with major projects already underway. Shakira recently unveiled “Dai Dai,” the official tournament song recorded alongside Burna Boy. Madonna is prepar...
Read more