Lamine Yamal: 60 Minutes Profiles the Young Star Tipped to Be the Next Messi

In the final segment of 60 Minutes this Sunday, correspondent Jon Wertheim travels to Spain for an up-close look at one of football’s most electrifying young talents: Lamine Yamal. At just 18 years old, Yamal has taken European football by storm with his fearless playmaking, dazzling footwork, and tactical intelligence that belies his age. Already a starter for FC Barcelona and a rising star on Spain’s national team, he’s widely regarded as the most promising player to emerge since the era of Lionel Messi.

Wertheim’s interview offers rare access to Yamal’s world, both on the pitch and off, as the teenager opens up about his meteoric rise, the pressure of wearing Barcelona’s colors, and what lies ahead with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just months away. The segment paints a portrait of a player balancing staggering expectations with a grounded personality shaped by his upbringing and early challenges.

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Barcelona’s Next Great Hope

Lamine Yamal’s emergence comes at a pivotal moment for Barcelona. The storied club has faced financial turmoil, inconsistent performances, and the challenge of rebuilding its identity in the post-Messi era. In Yamal, fans and coaches alike see a beacon of hope. His versatility, comfortable as both winger and attacking midfielder, has made him indispensable, despite his youth.

His breakout performances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have already drawn comparisons to the club’s all-time legends. Yet what sets Yamal apart is not just his raw talent but his creativity under pressure, vision in tight spaces, and fearlessness in taking on defenders. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has described him as “a once-in-a-generation footballer,” and that sentiment is echoed by teammates, fans, and pundits across Europe.

From Mataró to the World Stage

Born in Mataró, a coastal city near Barcelona, Yamal comes from a multicultural background as his father is Moroccan and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea. His upbringing in Spain’s diverse Catalonia region shaped not only his identity but also his style of play. Street football and local futsal games helped sharpen the improvisational flair that now defines his game.

Scouted by Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at a young age, Yamal rose quickly through the ranks, often playing with boys years older than him. By 15, he was training with the first team. By 16, he was setting records as one of the youngest players to debut in Spain’s top flight. His story reflects both extraordinary natural talent and the careful nurturing of one of the world’s most prestigious youth systems.

The Road to the 2026 World Cup

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup in North America begins, Lamine Yamal is expected to play a central role in Spain’s campaign. His inclusion in the senior national squad marks a major vote of confidence from the Spanish Football Federation, which sees him as a potential cornerstone for the team’s future.

Wertheim explores how Yamal is preparing for the global stage while still adjusting to the spotlight. The segment includes interviews with coaches, sports psychologists, and family members, all of whom highlight the strong support system that surrounds him. Despite the fanfare, Yamal remains focused, repeatedly emphasizing his love for the game and his desire to keep learning.

A Legacy in the Making

Yamal’s rise is not just a sports story – it’s a cultural moment. In an era when footballers are global celebrities before they turn 20, his ability to remain humble and disciplined stands out. As 60 Minutes shows, this is not a player riding a wave of hype but a young man determined to build a meaningful legacy.

Whether he becomes the next Messi or forges his own unique path, Lamine Yamal is already reshaping the narrative around youth in professional sport. With eyes around the world watching his every move, he represents both the future of FC Barcelona and the next chapter in Spain’s football history. This 60 Minutes profile offers an insightful and intimate look at the making of a star.