Unexpected! Here’s what Messi said about Yamal ahead of the World Cup final!
Fate has brought Messi and Yamal together on football’s biggest stage.
Details: On the eve of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Lionel Messi shared his thoughts on Lamine Yamal and recalled the iconic photograph in which he is bathing Barcelona’s future star when the youngster was just six months old.
“The fact that today Lamine and I find ourselves on opposite sides after that photo was taken of us when he was a baby — it’s just insane to me,” Messi admitted.
The legendary Argentine can’t hide his admiration for the young Spaniard’s talent:
“Lamine right now is one of the best players in the world. We at Barcelona are very lucky, because everything good for him is also good for our club.”
Messi emphasized that he closely follows Yamal’s performances and always wishes him success, as the youngster represents the Argentine’s beloved club.
“Lamine is simply an incredible footballer. I really keep a close eye on him because he plays for the club I love. I always wish him all the best,” Leo added.
But there will be no room for sentiment in the final. The Argentina captain promised to do everything possible to prevent Spain’s leader from showing his best football.
“We’ll try to play our best game so Lamine can’t perform at his peak. But Spain isn’t just about him. They have fantastic players and a unique style of play. At the same time, we have our own strengths as well,” Messi said.
The legendary photo of Messi and the six-month-old Yamal was taken in 2007 during a charity calendar shoot organized by Sport magazine in partnership with UNICEF. Nearly two decades later, the protagonists of that picture will meet in the World Cup final.
The decisive clash between Spain and Argentina will take place on Sunday, July 19. Kick-off is set for 21:00 Central European Time.
Reminder: Since 1966. Lionel Messi sets all-time World Cup record in a key statistic.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
