Messi has dominated football for the past two decades, alongside his great rival Ronaldo. However, as both men enter the twilight of their careers, a new generation of stars is emerging.

When listing the players that children currently admire, Messi left out both himself and Ronaldo, before mentioning Robert Lewandowski along with four of Europe’s brightest stars.

“Kids watch and copy everything,” Messi told Simply Fútbol. “They know everything. And the players they talk about are Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.”

Indeed, Messi reserved particular praise for Yamal, who is also a product of La Masia, having helped Spain to glory at EURO 2024 and is leading Barcelona to a potential treble this season, despite being just 17.

Messi said: “What Lamine Yamal is doing and has achieved is impressive. He is already a European champion with Spain. He is only 17 years old, he is still maturing and will continue to develop and contribute, just like I did. He has incredible quality and is currently one of the best players in the world.”

Yamal inspired Barcelona’s comeback against Celta Vigo on Sunday, helping his side maintain their seven-point lead at the top of La Liga. Barcelona came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and move closer to the La Liga title.

Yamal’s club teammate Lewandoski once confessed that he could not believe the teenager’s age when they first played together.

The Poland striker said: “He came to train with us when he was 15, that was the first time I saw him. I have seen a lot of young, talented people. But I was never sure that they would have a great career. Until I saw Lamine. I asked him how old he was and he told me 15. I replied that it was impossible.”