Yamal Praises Messi's High-Level Performance
Young Spanish star Lamine Yamal has expressed deep admiration for Argentina legend Lionel Messi, calling it 'incredible' to see the World Cup-winning icon 'still playing at such a high level.' Speaking to Spanish outlet El Mundo Deportivo, as quoted by ESPN, Yamal said, 'Incredible. Everyone knows who Messi is, but no one expected him to be playing at such a high level. I am really happy for him.'
Messi, aged 39, currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, including a hat-trick against Algeria—his first World Cup hat-trick—and a goal and assist in Argentina's 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the round of 16. The Inter Miami striker has surpassed Miroslav Klose's record for most goals in FIFA World Cup history, now totaling 21 goals.
Yamal on Childhood Idols: Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo
Yamal, who inherited Messi's iconic Barcelona number 10 shirt last season, also expressed happiness seeing his other childhood idols in the World Cup. He mentioned Brazil's Neymar, who announced international retirement after Brazil's round of 16 loss to Norway, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, whose World Cup journey ended with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of 16—a match where Yamal prevailed in a generational battle.
'I am happy for Neymar, even though he is no longer here, and for Cristiano Ronaldo. They shaped the childhoods of all of us who are playing now,' Yamal said. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, made his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023 in the group stage, scoring once against Norway. Ronaldo, Portugal's most-capped player (233 matches) and top scorer (146 goals), netted three goals in five matches, including his first-ever World Cup knockout goal.
Yamal's World Cup Journey and Self-Critique
Yamal arrived at the World Cup with a hamstring injury and started on the bench. He was drafted into the starting lineup in the second group stage match against Saudi Arabia, where he scored. Against Portugal, he played the full 90 minutes, registering three attempts on goal, two on target, and keeping Spain's attack flowing.
Speaking on his campaign, Yamal said, 'I had been out for almost two months, and it is not the same as when you have played seven games in a row. I need to keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep racking up minutes.' He added, 'I think I can do better. I am very hard on myself. I am not satisfied with what I do. I have never been the best player in the group stage. I am not worried about that. I know I have opportunities to prove it. The closer the important matches get, the semifinals or the final, the better I play.'
Anticipation for Belgium Quarterfinal
A 2024 European champion with Spain, Yamal is fired up for Friday's quarterfinal against Belgium in Inglewood, California. 'I am feeling great. I am really looking forward to showing what we are capable of as a team and what I am capable of. I hope the match against Belgium will be a great one for the whole team,' he said.
