Overview
- Karl disclosed the detail in an interview with FC Bayern’s members’ magazine 51 published on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, saying “Yes, Messi is on my left shinpad.”
- He described Messi as his long‑time role model because of the Argentine’s left‑footed, small‑stature, high‑skill style and said the image gives him daily motivation to work harder.
- Karl named Michael Olise as a model for on‑ball play and singled out Joshua Kimmich and Harry Kane for their off‑field professionalism and training habits.
- The 18‑year‑old is the youngest professional in Germany’s World Cup squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann and will be available for Group E matches versus Curaçao on June 14 in Houston, Ivory Coast on June 20 in Toronto, and Ecuador on June 25 in East Rutherford.
- The revelation has raised Karl’s public profile ahead of the tournament and highlights his methodical approach to development by combining idol worship with study of veteran teammates.