Jamal Musiala Reveals His Childhood Admiration for Messi

**Jamal Musiala Reveals His Childhood Admiration for Messi**

From the moment Jamal Musiala first kicked a football, he knew who his idol was. Growing up in Germany, with his unique blend of English and German heritage, Musiala often found himself on the pitch dreaming of becoming the next big footballing star. But in the back of his mind, there was always one player who captured his heart, whose every movement on the ball seemed like pure magic. That player was none other than Lionel Messi.

In a recent interview, Musiala opened up about his childhood admiration for the Argentine maestro. He admitted that Messi was his footballing role model, a figure he looked up to as he honed his skills at Bayern Munich’s youth academy. “I remember watching Messi’s games and thinking to myself, ‘I want to play like that.’ The way he dribbles, the way he sees the game, and his ability to make things happen in tight spaces – I just wanted to be like him,” Musiala shared with a smile.

As a young boy, Musiala would often spend hours imitating Messi’s trademark dribbles and quick turns in his backyard. “Every time Messi scored a goal, I would watch it over and over again, trying to figure out how he did it. The way he would glide past defenders, it was like he was in a world of his own,” he recalled. Musiala, with his silky dribbling and close ball control, admits that Messi’s influence has shaped much of his playing style.

Musiala’s admiration for Messi wasn’t just about the highlights or the goals. It was the consistency and the magic Messi brought to the pitch every single time he played. “It wasn’t just the spectacular moments that amazed me; it was his calmness, his decision-making, his ability to always make the right pass at the right time. Messi always seemed so composed under pressure,” Musiala said.

The young German star first met his idol when Bayern Munich played against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. Musiala recalls the moment vividly, saying it felt surreal. “When I walked into the locker room and saw Messi in front of me, I was in awe. It was a special moment for me because, as a kid, I had always looked up to him. Now, here I was, standing on the same field as him. It was like a dream come true.”

Even though Musiala had already become a household name at Bayern by then, playing with and against the likes of Messi was an experience that left a lasting impact. It was not just the skill Messi displayed but also his humility and professionalism. “He’s one of the best players ever, but he’s so down-to-earth. He doesn’t act like a star. That’s something I really admire and try to learn from,” Musiala reflected.

Today, as one of the brightest young talents in world football, Musiala’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. While his style is distinct, the influence of Messi is undeniable. Musiala’s combination of close control, vision, and creativity on the ball echoes the very qualities Messi perfected over the years. For Musiala, Messi remains not only a source of inspiration but also a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.

And while Musiala is now establishing himself as a future star in his own right, he still follows Messi’s career closely. “Even now, when I watch Messi play, I still learn from him. I admire how he plays the game, and I’ll always consider him my footballing hero,” Musiala said.

With Messi’s shadow looming large in the footballing world, Musiala’s ambition to make his own mark is clear. But deep down, as he continues to rise, he knows that the path he walks is one that Messi once tread, with the same passion and the same dreams.