Lamine Yamal Praises Messi's Stellar World Cup Performance
Yamal's Admiration for Messi
Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish talent, has expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine player. He described it as 'incredible' to witness the World Cup champion performing at such a high level even at the age of 39.
Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, including a remarkable hat-trick against Algeria and a crucial goal and assist in Argentina's thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16. This performance has propelled Argentina into the quarterfinals. Notably, Messi has surpassed Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history, now totaling 21.
In an interview with a Spanish publication, Yamal remarked, 'Incredible (on Messi's performances this tournament). 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 was awarded the 'Most Valuable Player' title when Argentina clinched their third World Cup title in 2022, ending a 36-year title drought. He is currently on a historic scoring streak, having netted goals in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
Reflections on Childhood Idols Neymar and Ronaldo
Yamal, who took over Messi's iconic number 10 jersey at Barcelona last season, also shared his joy in seeing his childhood heroes, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, participating in the World Cup. Neymar announced his international retirement following Brazil's round of 16 exit against Norway, while Ronaldo's World Cup journey ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain.
'I am happy for Neymar, even though he is no longer here, and for Cristiano Ronaldo,' Yamal stated. 'They shaped the childhoods of all of us who are playing now.'
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, made his first appearance for the national team since October 2023 during the group stage. Despite a calf injury that cast doubt on his participation, he managed to score against Norway in his final match.
Yamal's Spain eliminated Ronaldo, who was playing in his last World Cup. Ronaldo holds the record for the most caps for Portugal, with 233 matches and 146 goals. He is also the only player to score in six World Cups, finishing this tournament with three goals in five matches, including his first knockout goal.
Yamal's World Cup Journey
Lamine Yamal played the full 90 minutes against Portugal, significantly contributing to Spain's success. He arrived at the World Cup recovering from a hamstring injury and initially started on the bench. However, he made a notable impact in the second group stage match against Saudi Arabia, where he scored a goal. Against Portugal, he had three attempts on goal, two of which were on target.
Reflecting on his World Cup experience, Yamal acknowledged the need to regain his rhythm after being sidelined for two months. 'I need to keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep racking up minutes, and, obviously, that game will come,' he explained.
'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,' he added.
Excitement for the Quarterfinal Against Belgium
As a 2024 European champion with Spain, Yamal is eager for the upcoming quarterfinal match 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 concluded.