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Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has shared his belief that his footballing journey will eventually lead him into a central position, mirroring the tactical evolution of club legend Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old, who is currently dazzling fans from the wings for both Barcelona and Spain, feels that a move inside is inevitable as he seeks to evade the intense triple-marking he often faces.

Echoing Messi’s transformation

Yamal’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in world football, and comparisons with Messi have become increasingly frequent. Much like the Argentine maestro who evolved from a lightning-fast winger into a creative central playmaker, Yamal envisions his own career path gradually shifting away from the touchline towards a more central playmaking role.

In an interview with El Mundo, the teenager explained his tactical reasoning. “I think Leo was also marked by three players,” he said. “And the only place where three players can’t mark you is in the middle, because there are too many players there. As time goes by, I’ll end up there, because it’s very easy to defend with three on the wings, but they can’t mark me in the middle.”

Developing into a more decisive attacking force

Currently a fixture on the right flank, Yamal uses his speed and flair to destabilise compact defensive lines. However, he admitted that his potential to influence matches could be even greater when operating in the central channels between defensive units. He has already displayed glimpses of this adaptability when asked to play more centrally on certain occasions.

“I can take on defenders one-on-one in the middle. I’m a more decisive player if I turn in the middle than if I turn out wide,” Yamal explained. “Of course, for now, it’s better for the team if I stay wide. But there will come a time when I’ll be more decisive in the middle. And that’s where I’ll end up.”

Dealing with constant triple-marking

Opposition defences have quickly learned that allowing the teenager a one-on-one situation is a major risk. Yamal shared that he has grown accustomed to facing multiple defenders simultaneously, but he remains composed and looks to outsmart these situations by linking up effectively with teammates and reading the game intelligently.

“At least three [markers]. If I’m lucky, two. But one-on-one – never, ever,” he said when asked about the defensive attention he receives. “So I start thinking about movements: I tell the full-back, ‘If I give you the ball, do this.’ The manager reminds me, ‘If you have three on you, there are three teammates free.’ So it’s about playing intelligently, and when it comes to dribbling, it’s all about improvisation. You can’t plan it. It’s impossible.”

Seen as Messi’s natural successor

As Spain gear up for their 2026 World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, excitement around Yamal has reached new heights. Even rival managers are taking notice, with Saudi Arabia’s head coach Georgios Donis praising the youngster’s maturity and claiming he is beginning to fill the void left by Messi at Barcelona in an exceptional manner.

Despite the growing comparisons, Yamal remains grounded about his career’s longevity. When asked whether he could imagine himself matching Messi’s enduring career by playing until the age of 40, he replied firmly: “Impossible. Impossible. Impossible.” For now, fans are content to marvel at a player who seems destined to shape the next chapter of Barcelona’s footballing history.