Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after a photograph captured him holding the youngster as a baby.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s final, Messi said the image had taken on a new meaning as the two prepare to meet on football’s biggest stage.
“Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby.It’s just crazy”, Messi said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expects a competitive final but hopes Yamal does not influence the outcome in Spain’s favour.
“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one”, he said.
Despite preparing to face him, Messi praised the Barcelona teenager, describing him as one of the world’s best players.
He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to stop him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him.We have our own weapons too”, Messi said.
Argentina captain added that Yamal has a bright future ahead.
“He’s a tremendous player and a global star. He has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give everything to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time”.
The iconic photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort, during a UNICEF charity calender shoot at Barcelona’s Camp Nou.
Years later, Yamal emerged from Barcelona’s academy to become one of world football’s brightest talents, setting up an unlikely World Cup final meeting with a player who once held him as a baby.
Monfort said the renewed attention had surpassed expectations.
“The photo has exploded all over the world and now it has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. IIt is better than any film script”, he said.
Messi heads into the final in impressive form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists to help Argentina reach a third FIFA World Cup final of his career after previous appearances 2014 and 2022.
The 39-year-old level with France captain Kylian Mbappe in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot, while Argentina bids to retain the World Cup title.
Spain, meanwhile are seeking their second World Cup title after winning the tournament in 2010.
However, sunday’s showdown will also serve as the first competitive meeting between the reigning European champions and Copa America holders after a planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina was cancelled earlier this year.
-9News Nigeria.
