Lionel Messi is my idol — Manchester United star Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo has hailed Argentine superstar Lionel Messi as the player he most admires, calling the 38-year-old his lifelong idol and a continuous source of inspiration for his own development.

Messi is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, winning 8 Ballon d'Or awards and leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup triumph.

When asked about the figures who influenced his passion for football, Diallo was unequivocal.

"In my life, my idol was Messi, so I always say Messi because Messi is the player I still watch, I still try to learn from him," he stated via Tribuna.

For Diallo, this admiration is not just a relic of his childhood. Even as a professional footballer, he actively studies Messi's game, focusing on his movement, on-field decisions, and remarkable composure under pressure.

Messi's illustrious career, marked by unparalleled vision, balance, and game-changing ability, has profoundly influenced a generation of players. His impact, from his historic tenure at Barcelona to leading Argentina to World Cup glory, transcends mere statistics and trophies.

Diallo's comments are part of a wider trend of young talents who grew up watching Messi's dominance. Recently, Chelsea star Cole Palmer called Messi the greatest of all time, and a player he models his game after.

Messi continues to thrive, even at 38, and is preparing to lead Inter Miami in defence of their title, in a blockbuster MLS opener against LAFC this weekend.