Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Joseph Yammin says local-based Ghanaian footballers can rise to the status of World Best Player Lionel Messi.

With dedication, seriousness, discipline and hard work, he said, it would be possible for a Ghanaian player to reach Messi’s status.

The minster therefore urged Ghanaian players to be serious with their training at all times, stressing that the sky should be their limit.

Hon. Yammin was addressing the playing body and technical team of Ashantigold FC at the Len Clay Stadium.

The minister visited Obuasi on Thursday and took advantage of his presence there to visit the Ashangold training grounds.

He said he would be visiting other premier league clubs in the country at their training grounds to motivate their players to train harder.

Hon. Yammin said reaching the status of Lionel Messi and Neymar was not a difficult task.

He pointed out that what the footballers needed to do to become world stars was to be serious with training, be disciplined and dedicated and work hard.

Hon. Yammin told the Ashantigold players to listen to the directions of their coach in order to develop their game.

He also admonished the footballers to train on their own if they indeed wanted to reach international superstar status.

Captain of Ashantigold FC, Lawrence Lartey, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the minister for his encouragement and wise counsel.

The defender assured Hon. Yammin that his advice had been taken and they would act upon it.