CORNERFLICK
Lionel Messi has described Lamine Yamal as an exceptional player ahead of Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain, while saying he hopes the Barcelona winger does not have his best night.
Speaking at a pre-final press conference, Messi said the game’s pressure had never defined Argentina’s approach. He said football had always been about passion, competing and enjoying the sport, and that view had not changed.
Messi also reflected on the now-famous photo of him with Yamal as a baby, calling it one of life’s strange coincidences. He said it was remarkable that the pair would now meet in a World Cup final.
The Argentina captain added that he follows Yamal closely because the teenager plays for a club he loves. He said Yamal was already among the best players in the world and has a bright future, while also backing Spain as a strong side with major threats.
Messi said Argentina’s focus was on producing their best performance and trying to make their supporters happy again.