YEMEN FIGHTING PUSHES NEARLY 3,000 TO DJIBOUTI IN LESS THAN A WEEK- UN. (PHOTO).
Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has described it as “crazy” that he will come up against Spain’s teenage star, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after a photograph captured him holding the future football sensation as a baby.
Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the iconic image, saying it was remarkable how life had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.
“That picture with Lamine is incredible. 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, according to ESPN.
Lionel Messi with baby Yamine Lamal. Photo: Joan Monfort
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expected an entertaining contest but hoped Yamal would not have much influence on the outcome.
“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” he added.
Messi also acknowledged Yamal’s rapid rise, describing the Barcelona youngster as one of the world’s finest players despite his age.
He said, “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 keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons, too.”
The Argentina captain further praised the 19-year-old, saying his future in football remained exceptionally bright.
“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time,” Messi said.
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