Lionel Messi backs Barcelona wonderkid to compete for the Ballon d’Or in the future

After winning a record eighth Ballon d’Or prize, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has backed La Masia prodigy Lamine Yamal to contend for the honour in the future.

The 36-year-old former Barça captain spoke highly of the Catalan giants during his speech and press conference in Paris after winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.

Now, talking to L’Equipe during an interview, the Argentine superstar was asked to name some current footballers who could win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

Messi named the obvious ones – Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe – who finished second and third respectively in the Ballon d’Or race this year.

Yamal a future Ballon d’Or contender, says Messi

Along with them, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner also named Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who is enjoying a fine breakthrough campaign this year.

“It could be hotly contested in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. There are lots of young players that will fight for the Ballon d’Or,” Messi started off.

“I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young but who has already played very well with Barcelona and has become an important player,” he added.

“There will certainly be others who will fight for it as well with other players yet to appear. It will be a new era.”

Breakthrough year for Yamal

Lamine Yamal made his first-team debut for Barcelona last season itself, when he was just 15 years of age.

The teenager, who is now 16, has become a regular in Xavi’s plans this season and is enjoying a proper breakthrough campaign.

Yamal has already made 14 appearances across all competitions for Barça, scoring one goal and setting up three more.

The youngster has also broken into the Spanish national team, becoming the youngest debutant and the youngest goalscorer for La Roja.

It goes without saying that a bright future awaits Yamal if he continues on this trajectory and a Ballon d’Or in the future might very well be in his grasp.