Lionel Messi has described Lamine Yamal as one of the planet’s best young players ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final. The Barcelona stars past and present will face off in the decisive match, with both expected to play key roles despite being at opposite ends of their careers.
Messi praises Yamal's talent
Speaking at a press conference, Messi said: ‘Lamine is a great player, and I follow him a lot because he plays for a club I love. I always wish him all the best — no doubts that he’s among the best in the world. We’ll try to play a great match, but I hope he and his team don’t have their best day.’
Iconic baby photo resurfaces
The famous photo of Messi bathing a six-month-old Yamal resurfaced after Argentina’s comeback win against England. The image was taken in 2007 through a raffle organised by Diario Sport to raise funds for Unicef. Messi remarked: ‘That picture with Lamine, it’s something crazy. Life is full of surprises! Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just insane!’
Yamal's fitness and form
Yamal, a key figure in Spain’s semi-final win over France, along with right-back Pedro Porro, was cleared for the final. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente confirmed: ‘Both Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro are fine for the final… they trained normally.’ Asked about comparisons to Messi, de la Fuente added: ‘Lamine Yamal has to be Lamine Yamal. Leo is a unique, one of a kind player. An example, a role model. Lamine has to be Lamine. We’ll support him.’
Argentina's game plan
Stopping Yamal will be central to Argentina’s strategy. Head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted: ‘I wish we could lock Lamine in his room! He’s a fantastic player, a treasure for football, he’s still so very young, with so much more to offer to our game.’
