Former England prodigy Jamal Musiala admits it is "difficult" being compared to Lionel Messi as he prepares to take to the World Cup stage with Germany.
The Bayern Munich playmaker, 19, is one of Europe's brightest prospects and has notched a breathtaking nine goals and eight assists at club level this season. Although he was born in Stuttgart, Musiala moved to England as a child and rose through the ranks at Chelsea's world-renowned academy before joining Bayern in 2019.
The prodigious talent represented England up to Under-21 level but nailed his colours to the Germany mast in February 2021, going on to earn 17 senior caps. Given his vast potential and technical ability, Musiala has earned comparisons to seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who burst onto the scene with Barcelona in the mid-2000s.
While he is proud to be likened to the Argentina legend, Musiala insisted he can only focus on improving his own game as he spoke ahead of Germany's Group E clashes against Japan, Spain and Costa Rica.
"It's an honour to be compared to Messi, but I'm just starting out and he's been at a top level all his life," Musiala told reporters on Monday morning, per Get Football News Germany. "It is a difficult comparison; it is greatly appreciated, but I am Jamal, I focus on myself and on evolving."
Musiala also reflected on his time with England at youth level and opened up on his affinity with the Three Lions. He added: "I played for England and I'm still happy when they win.
"That was my goal for a while, playing for England at Wembley. In the English youth set-up, you learn different things than in Germany, especially in one-on-one situations, and I took the courage with me and that will accompany me throughout my career."
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Having committed his international future to Germany, Musiala is confident in Die Mannschaft's ability to replicate their triumph in Brazil in 2014 despite their group-stage exit in Russia four-and-a-half years ago. "We have the quality to go far," he said. "We go in with the mindset that we can win the title. We believe in it and are all up for it to start now."
The teenager also claimed his side have an unparalleled team mentality, which he views as their secret weapon as they prepare to begin their campaign.
"Germany is always a tournament team and are strong as a team," Musiala added. "That's what sets us apart. England have a lot of individual qualities in the team, the players go into the games with courage. We can take that from them."
