Lamine Yamal, a budding star for Barcelona, has voiced his surprise at being heralded as Lionel Messi’s heir.  Yamal is only 17 years old, but he has already made a name for himself in the starting lineup and shown promise for the Catalan team as they compete for championships in several competitions.  With an outstanding record of 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions this season, the young prodigy is essential to Barcelona’s hopes of winning a treble. Their first opportunity to win a trophy will be this Saturday when they play fierce rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Sales of Yamal’s shirt at the club’s official store have skyrocketed, and his name is constantly chanted in the Olympic Stadium stands, demonstrating the supporters’ enormous adoration for his spectacular on-field achievements.  The teenage winger said that he still finds it unbelievable how much support he gets.

 “It’s unbelievable!”  In an interview with a source, Yamal yelled.  “When I was a kid, I idolized players like Neymar and Messi, wearing their shirts with pride,” he said, describing his deep bond with the supporters.  It means a lot to me to see young children wearing my shirt now, knowing that I motivate them via football.”

“I never expected this to happen so quickly,” he added, reflecting on the whirlwind of his adventure.  It’s incredible to watch 13-year-old children don the jersey of a person who is only four years their senior.  It is uncommon to see a child wearing your clothes when you walk into a business, as my mother often reminds me.  It is one of my favorite moments on this journey and it makes me very happy.”