In recent years, there's been a relentless search for the heir to Leo Messi on the throne of world soccer. Many names have been put forward, but it was the player himself who pointed to the chosen one to achieve it. He did so in a public event, quickly reaching the ears of Laporta, who is preparing a new contract to ensure he doesn't leave.
When asked about the new-generation player who reminds him most of himself, Leo Messi didn't hold back in his praise for Lamine Yamal. "Now there's a generation of young players that's very good and has many years ahead. If I have to choose one, because of his age, what he's done so far, and the future he has: Lamine Yamal."
Messi didn't stop there, pointing out that everything now depends on Lamine Yamal himself. "It depends on him and many things, but he's both present and future."
Leo Messi Speaks Out and Chooses His Heir – Laporta Knows It: Incoming Negotiations with Lamine Yamal
These words from Leo Messi reached the ears of a Laporta who, for some time, has been working on a new contract for Lamine Yamal. Due to age restrictions, in his last renewal, he could only sign until 2026, but this will change as soon as he comes of age. Starting July 13, 2025, the Spaniard will turn 18. He'll celebrate by signing a new multimillion-dollar deal.
Laporta has everything ready and doesn't want Lamine Yamal to slip away. Right now, his contract ends in 2026, but the idea is for him to soon sign a new deal until 2030 or 2031. The plan is to maintain his current release clause of one billion, inaccessible to other teams, while increasing his salary.
Lamine Yamal will have a rising salary in the new agreement Laporta is preparing, placing him among the highest-paid players in the Barça team in the coming years. The idea is clear: the youth division player can't slip away, as it would be a serious mistake. Leo Messi's words are strong: He's his heir and must succeed at FC Barcelona.
In recent months, significant offers have come in for Lamine Yamal, to the point that Laporta has rejected more than 200 million. The plan is clear and ready, with the young star's approval: As soon as he comes of age, he'll sign a long-term deal. Everyone's been warned and it's just a matter of time.