Jamal Musiala Reveals His Childhood Admiration for Messi

Jamal Musiala has always been open about his love for football legends, and it turns out that Lionel Messi was his ultimate idol growing up. The Bayern Munich star recently shared his admiration for the Argentine maestro, saying:

“As a kid, the name on the back of my shirts was almost always Messi. I also had one with Neymar, but Messi was my hero, my favourite player.” 🐐

Musiala’s journey from a Messi fan to one of Europe’s brightest young talents is a testament to the lasting influence of the footballing greats. As he reflects on his childhood, it’s clear that Messi’s artistry and style of play had a profound impact on him, shaping his love for the game.

Musiala, now a key figure at Bayern Munich, acknowledged that he still carries that sense of awe when he thinks back to Messi’s influence. The Bayern star recalled watching matches and being utterly captivated by Messi’s flair, vision, and ability to change games with a single moment of magic. It wasn’t just about appreciating a player; it was about a deep, almost reverent fascination.

From a very young age, Musiala was mesmerized by Messi’s brilliance. Growing up, the German sensation had a collection of football shirts, each one bearing the name of his favourite player. Musiala explained that he had several versions with Messi’s number 10 emblazoned on the back, alongside another shirt featuring Neymar, the Brazilian superstar.

Musiala’s love for Messi went beyond just the player’s technical abilities; it was also about the way Messi carried himself on and off the pitch. The Bayern forward admired Messi’s demeanor, his humility, and the way he seemed to remain focused despite the spotlight constantly trained on him. Musiala recognized that these were qualities he wanted to emulate, not just as a footballer but as a person.

The admiration for Messi played a significant role in shaping Musiala’s approach to his craft. The young talent explained that he was inspired by Messi’s vision, creativity, and the audacity with which he could take on defenders. Musiala saw in Messi a style of play that emphasized control, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game, and it quickly became the benchmark for how he wanted to develop his own style.

Growing up in Germany, Musiala had access to a culture that revered structure and discipline, but it was Messi’s flair and freedom that captured his imagination. He realized early on that there was room for both precision and creativity, and that football could be about expressing oneself, which is what he saw Messi do so well.

As he progressed through his youth career, Musiala continued to channel the Messi magic. It wasn’t just about trying to copy his hero’s style; it was about learning from Messi’s approach to the game. Musiala was captivated by Messi’s timing, his ability to sense danger and react with split-second speed, and his confidence in trying daring moves that others wouldn’t dare attempt.

Messi, for Musiala, was more than just a player to emulate. He represented a sense of hope and possibility. Watching Messi play, Musiala understood that with hard work, determination, and belief, anything was possible. It instilled in him a mindset that has helped shape his own incredible rise at Bayern Munich.

Musiala described Messi as a symbol of the magic that football can bring. He knew that the Argentine star had redefined what it meant to be a football genius, and that had an impact on how Musiala approached training and how he dreamt of playing the game.

“I wanted to be like Messi, not just in terms of my style of play,” Musiala explained, “but also in the way he approached the game. He had a joy and a passion that made him different, and I could feel it watching him.”

Musiala emphasized the joy that Messi brought to the sport and how that aspect of his game was something that had deeply inspired him. It wasn’t just about the goals and the assists but about how Messi always seemed to be having fun, even when he was under immense pressure.

Musiala knew he had to develop a similar sense of freedom and joy in his own play, and that’s something he’s constantly working on. It’s an ongoing journey, but it’s clear that Messi’s influence remains a guiding force for him.

The Bayern Munich star didn’t just learn about Messi through matches and interviews; he was fascinated by the personal stories behind the footballing legend. Musiala followed Messi’s life and achievements, recognizing that Messi’s success had come from dedication, overcoming challenges, and never giving up.

It’s that resilience, coupled with Messi’s boundless talent, that made Musiala want to emulate the Argentine. The Bayern forward sees Messi not just as a footballer but as a role model, showing that great things can be achieved through hard work and belief.

Musiala’s passion for Messi goes beyond nostalgia. It reflects a deep appreciation for the way Messi had elevated football, and Musiala still carries that sense of awe and inspiration with him every time he steps onto the pitch. He admits that he occasionally thinks about the time when Messi was just an idol, inspiring Musiala to push beyond his limits.

When asked if he still watches Messi play, Musiala’s eyes lit up. “Of course, I do,” he said with a smile. “I’m still in awe of him. It’s not just about watching the genius anymore. It’s about watching and learning, and I feel like I can always learn something new from Messi.”

Musiala’s idolization of Messi has had a lasting impact on his career, and he acknowledges that it’s a part of what fuels his passion for the game. The Bayern star hopes that his journey will inspire the next generation of footballers, just as Messi inspired him.

As he continues to make his mark in the footballing world, Musiala understands that he carries a piece of Messi’s magic with him, and that’s what makes his rise even more remarkable.

In Messi, Musiala found not just a hero but a guiding light, and his legacy will always be a part of Musiala’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.