Lionel Messi has hailed Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal as an “amazing” talent ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, while making it clear that Argentina’s priority is stopping the youngster from making history.
The Argentina captain, preparing for another shot at World Cup glory, revealed he has followed Yamal’s rapid rise closely because of the teenager’s performances for Barcelona, the club where Messi became one of football’s greatest players.
“Lamine is truly amazing, and I’ve followed him a lot because he plays for a club I love so much,” Messi said.
“He has a chance to achieve something historic, and we’re going to try to make sure that doesn’t happen this time.”
The final will pit the tournament’s defending champions against a Spain side chasing their second World Cup title and their first since 2010.
Argentina booked their place in the showpiece with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. After falling behind in the first half, Lionel Scaloni’s side responded through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send La Albiceleste into another final.
Spain earned their place with an impressive 2-0 victory over France, producing another disciplined display that underlined why they have been among the tournament favourites.
Yamal once again played a decisive role. The 19-year-old won the penalty that gave Spain the lead after dispossessing Lucas Digne, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to convert from the spot. Pedro Porro doubled the advantage after the interval following an excellent move involving Dani Olmo.
Although Yamal had a goal ruled out for offside, Spain rarely looked troubled as they recorded their sixth clean sheet in seven matches, limiting France to only a handful of meaningful chances despite late pressure from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The victory secured Spain’s first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago.
Sunday’s showdown now presents a fascinating contest between football’s greatest modern icon and one of its brightest young stars. Messi will aim to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles, while Yamal has the opportunity to crown his remarkable rise with the biggest prize in international football.
