Luis de la Fuente Compares Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The Spanish coach praised Yamal's maturity and warned that he should not be burdened with the label of Messi's successor.

The comparison with Messi

Luis de la Fuente didn't hold back in praising Lamine Yamal in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. The Spain coach said that the young Barcelona striker "was born for this" and placed him on a level comparable to that of Lionel Messi. “He has a bold character. Maybe that pressure would have overwhelmed you or me, but these guys are special," he said.

Maturity in Lamine Yamal

The coach highlighted that Yamal has been enduring "brutal" media pressure since he was 16, something reserved for extraordinary players. He recalled that he debuted in the elite as a teenager and, at just 18, he already demonstrates maturity and precision in his decisions. "A minute, a mistake, and the focus is on that; that's not fair. There are hours, days, with physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, trainers... it's the work, the values," emphasized De la Fuente.

He shouldn't bear the title of Messi

The coach insisted that both Messi and Yamal are part of a small group of chosen ones capable of changing games from a very young age. However, he warned that the young player should not be burdened with the label of "the new Messi. You shouldn't impose that succession on him, even if the similarities in talent and personality exist," he clarified.

Regarding his physical condition, the coach was optimistic: "He is recovering quickly, meeting all the goals ahead of schedule. I believe he will be able to play in the first match, but that doesn't mean he will."