New Delhi, May 10 -- Football icon Lionel Messi has hailed rising Spanish talent Lamine Yamal as the "best" young player of new generation, while also reflecting on his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking at an Adidas event for a FIFA World Cup 2026 promotional campaign, Messi said Yamal stood out among the new generation of footballers due to his performances and long-term potential.

"There is a new generation of players who are very good and have many years ahead of them. If I had to pick one of them, based on his age, his performances so far and his prospects for the future, it would be Lamine. No doubt about it: for me, he's the best," Messi said, as quoted by Goal.com.

The Argentina captain also spoke about his ...