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Lamine Yamal's Fiery Message to Lionel Messi Ahead of a Potential World Cup Final
The Spanish star once again praised Lionel Messi, but made it clear that admiration would be put aside if Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Messi remains Lamine Yamal's greatest idol
Lamine Yamal has never hidden his admiration for Lionel Messi, the player who inspired him long before he established himself as one of the biggest stars in world football.
The two share several similarities. Both came through Barcelona's famed youth academy, broke into the first team at an early age and quickly became major figures for their respective national teams.
Yamal has regularly spoken about the influence Messi had on his childhood and career. However, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup entering its decisive stage, the Spain winger made it clear that admiration has its limits when a title is at stake.
"If I reach the final, I want to win it"
During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Yamal was asked about the possibility of facing Messi and Argentina in the World Cup Final.
The 18-year-old did not hesitate when explaining how he would approach such a special encounter.
"If I reach the final, I want to win it."
His response was not meant as a sign of disrespect toward Messi, but rather as a reflection of his competitive mentality.
No matter how much he admires the Argentina captain, Yamal's priority would be helping Spain lift the trophy and secure its second World Cup title.
Yamal surprised by Messi's World Cup level
The Barcelona forward also praised the performances Messi has produced during the tournament.
According to Yamal, everyone already knows what the Argentine legend is capable of, but even his fellow players have been surprised by the level he has maintained throughout the competition.
"Everyone knows who Messi is, but nobody expected him to perform at such a high level," Yamal told Mundo Deportivo.
His comments underline the respect he continues to have for the player he grew up watching, even as both men chase the same prize from opposite sides of the knockout bracket.
Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo also earned praise
Yamal also recognized the influence of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, two other stars who helped define the generation that inspired many of the players currently competing at the World Cup.
The Spain international said Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo shaped the childhood of countless footballers and remain important references despite Brazil and Portugal already being eliminated from the tournament.
A final between Spain and Argentina remains only a possibility for now. Both teams must first survive the remaining knockout rounds.
But should Yamal and Messi eventually meet with the World Cup trophy on the line, the young Spaniard has already made his intentions clear: respect before kickoff, but no room for sentiment once the match begins.
