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According to reports, Messi chose Barcelona wunderkind Lamine Yamal at the top of his list, followed by his former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe in second. The eventual winner Vinicius was also a part of Messi’s choices.
Lionel Messi. (Picture Credit: AP)
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was recently named the men’s player of the year at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024. Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League and LaLiga-winning campaign last season. He netted 24 goals and provided 11 assists for Los Blancos.
Apart from the winners, several big names taking part in the voting process have made the headlines this time. While Cristiano Ronaldo abstained from voting, Lionel Messi’s choices turned out to be interesting. Messi’s participation has now sparked a major interest and, as per Goal, he chose Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal at the top of his list. Yamal was reportedly followed by Messi’s former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammate Kylian Mbappe at the second spot. The eventual winner Vinicius was also a part of Messi’s choices. But the Argentine legend did not choose Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or this year.
Messi’s admiration for Lamine Yamal has been an open secret. Messi recently stated that the Barcelona youngster reminds him of his younger days. As per ESPN, the Inter Miami star was asked to pick a footballer from the new generation that reminded him of his younger self.
“There’s a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them,” Messi said, as per ESPN.
“If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too,” he added.
Yamal had a remarkable year last season both at the international and club level. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He provided four assists in the competition. Yamal even won the tournament’s best young player title. While Barcelona remained trophyless last season, Yamal succeeded in putting up some terrific performances at the club level.
Yamal suffered an ankle injury in his last appearance for Barcelona against Leganes in the LaLiga. Barcelona had lost that fixture by a margin of one goal to nil.