Yamal’s Rise Helps Barcelona Move Beyond the Post-Messi Era

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts after scoring during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, on May 15, 2025. Jose Breton/AP Photo

BARCELONA, Spain—When Lionel Messi left Barcelona it looked like a generation would have to go by before another player of his incredible talent would don the burgundy and blue.

It turned out a couple of years was enough.