Lionel Messi, football icon and fellow La Masia graduate, expressed generous praise for Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Messi said, “Lamine is a fantastic player, whom I’ve followed closely because he plays for a club I love and always wish the best for.”
He highlighted Yamal’s impact at just 19 years old, calling him one of the world’s leading figures with the potential to achieve something historic. Messi added, “We’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen this time!” referring to the upcoming match.
A striking moment was brought up about a photo featuring Messi and Yamal when Lamine was a baby. Messi reflected, “That photo is crazy. Life... I took a picture with him when he was a baby and now we’ll face each other in a World Cup final.”
Messi emphasized how Yamal’s success would also be a triumph for Barcelona: “He’s one of the best in the world right now and I wish him the best of luck because his success will also be Barcelona’s success.”
Other Barcelona players expected to feature in the final include Pau Cubarsi and Dani Olmo in the starting XI, with Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, and Joan Garcia on the bench.
Messi concluded with a smile, “Of course, we’ll try to play a good match so he doesn’t have his best game, although it’s difficult.”
