Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as "crazy" that he will come up against Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final, nearly 20 years after a now-famous photograph captured him holding Yamal as a baby.
The iconic image was taken in 2007 during a Barcelona charity calendar photoshoot after Yamal's parents won a raffle to participate.
At the time, Messi was a 20-year-old rising star at the Spanish club, while Yamal was just five months old.
The photograph has since become one of football's most remarkable images, with both players now preparing to face each other on the biggest stage in world football.
Speaking at a fan event in New York alongside former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who described the photograph as "very prophetic," Messi admitted the moment still amazes him.
"That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy," Messi said.
"He's one of the best players in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will also be Barcelona's success."
Despite his admiration for the Spain winger, Messi made it clear that Argentina's priority is retaining the World Cup title. "We'll try to keep him from playing at his best.
Spain has a great team, not just him. He's a tremendous player and a global star. He's only 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him.
I wish him the best, but we'll give everything to make sure he doesn't become champion this time," he added.
Yamal has enjoyed a rapid rise since making his Barcelona first-team debut at the age of 15 before inheriting the club's iconic number 10 shirt previously worn by Messi.
After helping Spain win Euro 2024, the teenager now has the opportunity to add a FIFA World Cup title to his growing list of achievements and become the youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.
The event also featured Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Spain captain Rodri, former England defender Rio Ferdinand, actor Kevin Hart, tennis great Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also shared a warm embrace with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who was one of the instructors when Scaloni completed his UEFA Pro Licence coaching course in Spain.
Argentina and Spain will meet in Sunday's World Cup final in what promises to be a historic clash, with much of the spotlight expected to fall on the fascinating duel between football legend Messi and the young star many believe could shape the sport's future.
Comments
Add a comment