Lionel Messi lets loose on Mbappé, Vinicius, Yamal, Lewandowski and Haaland!

In a revelation that has captivated the football world, Lionel Messi has opened up about the players who have captured the admiration of his children—and, by extension, a glimpse into the football icons of the next generation. The Argentine legend, speaking via quotes shared by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, didn’t hold back as he listed five footballers that dominate conversations in the Messi household.

“My children love watching Mbappé, Vinicius, Yamal, Lewandowski, and Haaland,” Messi confessed, naming five of the game’s most influential forwards today. Each of these players represents not just immense talent but also a shift in global footballing power—away from Messi and Ronaldo and toward a new era of brilliance.

At the forefront of that new wave is Kylian Mbappé, a player Messi knows all too well from their shared time at Paris Saint-Germain. Now plying his trade at Real Madrid, the Frenchman has carried the weight of expectation effortlessly. Despite Real’s recent Champions League heartbreak against Arsenal, Mbappé’s scoring consistency—highlighted by his Gerd Müller Trophy in 2024—cements him as a global icon.

Messi’s mention of Vinicius Jr. is also no surprise. The Brazilian, now a regular Ballon d’Or contender and Real Madrid’s attacking engine, has emerged as one of the most entertaining dribblers and goal threats in the world. His on-pitch chemistry with Mbappé is already sending shockwaves through La Liga, with the pair forming a terrifying partnership that keeps defenders on edge.

But Messi’s words didn’t only dwell on those at Madrid. Over in Catalonia, Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy, drew special praise. Yamal recently helped Spain lift the European Championship with moments of pure brilliance, and he’s already become a key figure at Barça. According to Messi, Yamal is not only part of the future—but already the present.

“I’ve heard about Lamine, no doubt. He is already part of the present, and without a doubt, he has a great future ahead of him,” Messi said, praising the youngster’s maturity and game intelligence. That’s no small praise coming from the greatest player in Barça’s history.

Messi didn’t stop there. He also tipped his hat to Robert Lewandowski, the Polish forward who continues to defy age and maintain top-scoring form at Barcelona. Lewandowski’s mentorship of Yamal has been crucial to the youngster’s rapid development, and Messi’s admiration for the striker remains intact, especially for his consistency and leadership.

And then there’s Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal machine who’s broken nearly every Premier League scoring record since joining Manchester City. Messi described him as a “cyborg,” recognizing Haaland’s unmatched physicality and insatiable hunger for goals. Haaland, the 2023 Ballon d’Or runner-up, has already made an indelible mark under Pep Guardiola.

What’s most striking about Messi’s statements is how clearly he sees the game evolving. While once it was about Messi and Ronaldo battling for supremacy, he now sees the game moving forward—powered by players who combine raw athleticism with surgical technique.

Beyond mere admiration, Messi’s comments reflect an evolution in his own role—from competitor to mentor and observer. He recognizes that his era is giving way to something equally mesmerizing, and he seems genuinely excited by it.

In naming these five players, Messi has offered a symbolic “passing of the torch.” Each of these names represents a style and flair that resonate with global fans—just as Messi did in his prime. His children’s admiration for these stars is telling: this new generation has its own heroes now.

But Messi was also measured. In talking about Yamal in particular, he emphasized the importance of consistency and maturity. “It depends on him, and on other factors as well,” Messi noted, highlighting how raw talent alone isn’t enough to reach the top. The message was clear: greatness is earned, not given.

The footballing world took notice of these comments not just because they came from Messi, but because of the sincerity behind them. This wasn’t just idle praise—it was insight from someone who has seen it all, played with the best, and now watches the game with a father’s eyes.

Fans across the globe have since flooded social media, reacting to Messi’s picks. The common sentiment? If Messi’s children idolize these players, then the future of football is in very good hands.

And perhaps that’s the most heartwarming part of Messi’s confession. More than trophies, records, or Ballon d’Or titles, what truly matters now is the joy the game brings to his family. The players his children cheer for are not just athletes—they’re symbols of inspiration, just like Messi once was for an entire generation.

As Lionel Messi continues his journey in the twilight of his career, his influence remains immense—not just on the pitch, but off it as well. And in revealing who his kids love to watch, Messi may have inadvertently written the first chapter of football’s next golden age.

One thing is certain: the likes of Mbappé, Vinicius, Yamal, Lewandowski, and Haaland are no longer the “next big thing.” They are the present—and with Messi’s blessing, their stories are only just beginning.