Lionel Messi reveals his Lamine Yamal hope ahead of World Cup final

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18 July 2026

Barcelona legend

Lionel Messi

has revealed his hope that current Blaugrana sensation

Lamine Yamal

enjoys an off day on Sunday.

This of course comes ahead of the imminent showdown between European and South American champions

Spain

, and

Argentina

After getting the better of France and England in their respective semi-finals this past week, the Spanish and Argentines are primed to lock horns on the biggest stage in international football on Sunday evening.

The matchup has been billed by many as a meeting between the past and future of football, in pitting the aforementioned Messi and Lamine against one another for the very first time.

Speaking during an appearance in front of the media on Saturday, the former was in turn drawn on the prospect of going toe-to-toe with his ‘heir’, and the rest of Luis de la Fuente’s troops.

And Messi went on to admit:

“We’ll try to play a great match, but I hope he (Lamine) and his team don’t have their best day!”

Conor Laird – GSFN

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Lionel Messi reacts to iconic Lamine Yamal photo before World Cup final: ‘It’s crazy…’

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni full of praise for Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup final – “I wish we could lock Lamine in his room…”

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