Jamal Musiala has always been open about his admiration for football legends, with Lionel Messi standing out as his ultimate idol during his childhood. The Bayern Munich star recently reflected on this, stating:
“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 favorite player.”
Musiala’s journey from a Messi fan to one of Europe’s brightest young talents shows the profound influence that football icons can have. Looking back at his youth, it’s clear that Messi’s artistry and playing style shaped his love for the sport.
Now a key figure at Bayern Munich, Musiala admitted that he still feels a sense of awe when he thinks about Messi’s impact. He recalled being captivated by Messi’s skill, vision, and ability to change the game with a single moment of brilliance. For Musiala, it wasn’t just about admiring a player; it was about being deeply inspired.
From a young age, Musiala was fascinated by Messi’s brilliance. He owned a collection of shirts, most featuring Messi’s iconic number 10, along with one of Neymar’s, as the Brazilian was another favorite.
Musiala’s admiration for Messi extended beyond his technical prowess; he also admired how Messi conducted himself both on and off the field. Messi’s humility and focus in the face of constant attention were qualities that Musiala aspired to mirror—not only as a footballer but also as a person.
Messi’s influence played a significant role in shaping Musiala’s approach to the game. Musiala explained that he was inspired by Messi’s vision, creativity, and boldness in taking on defenders. He saw in Messi a style of play defined by intelligence, control, and a deep understanding of the game, which became the standard Musiala aimed to follow.
Growing up in Germany, Musiala was surrounded by a culture of discipline and structure, but it was Messi’s flair and freedom that captivated him. He realized early on that football could be both precise and creative, with the freedom to express oneself—something Messi exemplified.
As Musiala progressed in his youth career, he continued to channel Messi’s influence. It wasn’t just about copying Messi’s style; it was about learning from his approach to the game. Musiala admired Messi’s timing, his ability to read the game, and his confidence to attempt moves that others might shy away from.
For Musiala, Messi represented more than just a player to look up to—he symbolized hope and possibility. Watching Messi play taught him that with hard work, dedication, and belief, anything was possible. This mindset has been crucial in Musiala’s rise at Bayern Munich.
Musiala described Messi as a symbol of the magic that football can offer. He recognized how Messi had redefined what it meant to be a football genius, and this shaped how Musiala approached training and his vision of how he wanted to play 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 how Messi’s joy for the game inspired him. It wasn’t just about the goals and assists but about how Messi always seemed to enjoy himself, even under immense pressure. Musiala understood that he needed to develop a similar sense of freedom and joy in his own play, something he works on continuously.
His admiration for Messi went beyond watching games—Musiala was also fascinated by the personal stories behind Messi’s success. He learned that Messi’s achievements came from hard work, perseverance, and overcoming challenges, which reinforced Musiala’s desire to emulate him.
It was this resilience, paired with Messi’s extraordinary talent, that made Musiala want to follow in his footsteps. For him, Messi is not just a footballer but a role model who proved that great things can be achieved through effort and belief.
Musiala’s admiration for Messi isn’t just a thing of the past; it’s a deep appreciation for how Messi has elevated the sport. He still feels that sense of awe and inspiration every time he steps onto the pitch, remembering the days when Messi was just an idol who motivated him to push beyond his limits.
When asked if he still watches Messi play, Musiala’s face 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 admiration for Messi has deeply influenced his career, and it continues to fuel his passion for the game. He hopes that his own journey will inspire the next generation of players, just as Messi inspired him.
As he continues to make his mark in football, Musiala understands that he carries a piece of Messi’s magic with him, and that makes his rise even more remarkable. In Messi, he found not just an idol, but a guiding light whose legacy will always be a part of Musiala’s pursuit of greatness.
