VIDEO: Lamine Yamal reveals what he admires most about Lionel Messi as Barcelona legend hails Golden Boy winner and fellow teen star Vicky Lopez

Barcelona duo Yamal and Vicky Lopez have been a sent a message by Messi after scooping the top prizes at the Golden Boy Gala. The former Barcelona star wrote on social media: "Lamine, Vicky: this award is the result of not just talent, but also of hard work and sacrifice. It makes me proud that you are part of Messi+10. Congratulations and keep going!" Both players are also part of a "Messi +10" team, with the Argentine having selected just 10 footballers to wear special editions boots that he will also use.

Yamal responded by revealing what he admires most about the World Cup winner: "In the end what I admire most about Messi's style is the ease with which he does everything. A role model for everyone and a player all kids look up to."

Yamal has had to put up with plenty of comparisons with Messi throughout his young career. However, the teenager is forging his own path at Barcelona and is already a vital player for the Catalans despite the fact he is still only 17. Yamal is also a key part of the Spain squad and played an important role in the team's European Championship win last summer.

Yamal won't play again for Barcelona in 2024 after being ruled out of action with an ankle injury picked up in the shock defeat to Leganes. He will miss the next three to four weeks and will return to action in January.