'It's unbelievable!' Lamine Yamal talks about what it feels like to be Lionel Messi's heir

At just 17, Yamal has not only cemented his place in the starting lineup but has also become a beacon of hope for the Catalan giants as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts. With 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions this season, the teenage sensation is playing a pivotal role in fuelling Barcelona's treble hopes - and the first of the three silverware will be up for grabs this Saturday during the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Yamal is experiencing surreal emotions

Yamal’s performances have ignited a wave of admiration among supporters. His jersey has quickly become one of the most popular items at the club’s official store, and his name is frequently seen and chanted in the stands of the Olympic Stadium. The young winger admitted that seeing this kind of support is still a surreal experience.

'It's unbelievable!'

Speaking to ESPN during a promotional appearance for Powerade’s "The 304" campaign—named after the neighbourhood he grew up in—Yamal said: "It's unbelievable. When I was a kid, I wore Neymar's shirts, Messi's jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I'm their inspiration, at least in football.

"It's something I never thought would happen so fast: [seeing] those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who's only four years older than them. It is amazing. My mum always tells me to think about [the significance]; that it doesn't happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most."