Lionel Messi has heaped praise on Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final but insisted Argentina will do everything possible to prevent the youngster from creating history on football's biggest stage.
Defending champions Argentina take on European champions Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with Yamal on the verge of another landmark achievement in his rapidly rising career. While Messi acknowledged the Barcelona winger's remarkable talent, he stressed that Argentina's focus is firmly on denying him that milestone.
"Lamine is truly amazing." Messi said. "I've followed him a lot because he plays for a club I love so much. He has a chance to achieve something historic - we're going to try to make sure that doesn't happen this time."
Messi made the remarks while speaking to seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest on Friday, where he also reflected on a photograph that has captured global attention ahead of the final.
The image, taken nearly 20 years ago during a charity photo shoot in Barcelona, shows a 20-year-old Messi bathing six-month-old Yamal. The photograph has resurfaced and gone viral as the pair prepare to face each other in Sunday's World Cup final.
"That picture with Lamine, now we are facing in a final after a photo was taken of when he was a baby," Messi said. "It's just insane."
The now-famous image was captured by freelance photographer Joan Monfort, who admitted he never imagined it would one day become one of football's most remarkable photographs.
At the time, Monfort photographed a young Messi bathing an infant in a plastic tub during a charity calendar shoot. That baby would later grow into Spain star Lamine Yamal.
With Argentina and Spain set to battle for the World Cup trophy, the picture has become one of the defining talking points before the final.
"I have never been a believer or thought that anything was destined to occur, but I am beginning to have my doubts. This is beyond all reasonable explanations," Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.
Despite the widespread fascination surrounding the photograph, Messi said his attention remains fixed on the challenge awaiting Argentina.
The Argentine captain noted that he has closely followed Yamal's development, particularly because the teenager now represents Barcelona, the club where Messi spent 21 years between 2000 and 2021.
Even so, Messi made it clear that he hopes Yamal does not enjoy another standout performance in the final.
"We'll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don't put on a good one," Messi said.
Both players head into Sunday's showdown with major records within reach.
Messi could become the first footballer to captain a team to consecutive FIFA World Cup triumphs, while Yamal has the chance to become the second-youngest player to start and win a World Cup final.
Argentina secured their place in the title clash by defeating England in the semi-finals, while Spain booked their spot after overcoming France, setting up a blockbuster final between the reigning world champions and the European champions.
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