Messi: Spain is not just Yamal

New York (AFP) – Argentine star Lionel Messi warned that Spain’s strength in the final of the 2026 World Cup in North America, against his national team on Sunday, extends beyond the talent of promising star Lamine Yamal.

The 19-year-old forward is considered one of the most promising young football talents and will face Messi (39) for the first time in a clash between the past, present, and future of Spanish club Barcelona.

Speaking to fans in Manhattan, New York, Messi said: “Spain is not just Lamine; they have some truly outstanding players and a distinctive style of play, and we have our own weapons as well.”

The “Albiceleste” captain added: “He is a global reference at just 19 years old and has a historic opportunity to achieve a historic feat, but we, in turn, will try to give our all to prevent that from happening this time.”

Messi is delivering a magnificent World Cup campaign, topping the tournament’s scoring chart with eight goals, level with Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, and sitting just one goal behind the all-time finals scoring record of 21, held by Argentine captain Lionel Messi, who has defended his world title through dramatic late comebacks.

Yamal, meanwhile, has scored only one goal in his World Cup debut, arriving at the tournament not at full physical fitness after suffering an injury during the final stages of La Liga.

He has not stood out individually, but has contributed to the impressive collective performance of the national team, which is managed by Luis de la Fuente.

Their matchup is also accompanied by a photo taken in 2007 showing the Argentine bathing the Spaniard, who was then merely an infant, during a charity photoshoot.

Messi said: “To have a picture of him as a baby and now to be competing against him in the World Cup is crazy. He is currently one of the best players in the world, and I wish him all the best.”