Panaji: Kobe Bryant once told a story about Ronaldinho introducing him to Lionel Messi, a player he said would emerge as the greatest of all time. Messi was just 17 at the time and more than lived up to the expectation in a career that threw up countless moments of magic.

The Finalíssima between Argentina and Spain already has a date for 2025. Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other in a generational duel that will paralyze the world of soccer.

Ronaldinho has lauded Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's rising teenage star, predicting a bright future and Ballon d'Or potential. Yamal's rapid ascent through La Masia culminated in a first-team role, impactful performances in La Liga and the Champions League,

He reaches 100 matches, a figure he achieved against Inter at 17, four years before Messi. Óscar López, who coached him in the Juvenil A team, explains his leadership qualities and the keys to his game.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is on the brink of being handed two of the biggest honours a player can receive at the Catalan club Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey and a staggering €1 billion release clause.

He will be the third Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or, after Luis Suárez and Rodri. The seventh Barcelona player, after Luis Suárez, Johan Cruyff,

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal have something in common, it appears. On Sunday, the @ESPNFC X page delighted fans with a humorous and clever comparison between LeBron James and the 17-year-old soccer prodigy Yamal.