'Lionel Messi was my hero' - Jamal Musiala makes surprising Barcelona 'favourite team' admission amid Bayern Munich contract uncertainty

Musiala has become a key player for Bayern Munich and Germany despite still being only 21 years of age. The playmaker's future is also currently the subject of speculation as he is out of contract in 2026 and yet to agree an extension. Musiala has told fans he's unable to offer any news on the situation and has risked upsetting supporters further by revealed his fondness for Catalan giants Barcelona.

Musiala grew up at at time where Messi was leading Barcelona to glory both at home and in Europe. The Argentine great lifted the European Cup four times during his spell in Catalunya and Musiala says he was a big fan of the Barcelona legend and his team-mates Neymar, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

He told Sport BILD: "FC Barcelona was my favourite team and because of that they were always my reference. The midfield with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets fascinated me. I could watch their games over and over again. On the back of my shirts as a kid, the name was almost always Messi. I also had one with Neymar, but Messi was my hero, my favourite player."

Musiala's situation at Bayern is likely to be of interest to Europe's top clubs as heads towards the end of his contract. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester City and could be tempted by the chance to work with former Barcelona and Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.