Laporta: Yamal is a genius, the final will be like playing in Rocafonda

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta lauded Lamine Yamal, a player for both the club and the Spanish national team, calling him a "genius" who will approach the World Cup final against Argentina with the same nonchalance as playing in his hometown.

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Lamine is a genius. I like his attitude because of his way of being. He doesn't flinch at these events that could, in some way, overwhelm a person's attitude and tranquility. Lamine is very brave and very mature for his age. He will sleep soundly and tomorrow he has a football match. It won't be in Rocafonda, but he will take it as if he were playing there, where he used to dribble past dogs. He is a player who was trained on the street and is a very attractive player.

Laporta highlighted Yamal's bravery and maturity, noting his ability to remain unfazed by high-stakes events. "Lamine is a genius. I like his attitude because of his way of being. He doesn't flinch at these events that could, in some way, overwhelm a person's attitude and tranquility," Laporta stated at an event in New York. He added that Yamal, who developed his skills on the streets, is an "attractive player."

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Messi has been and is the best player in the history of football. He has shown that, despite getting older, he remains decisive. He is a danger when he receives the ball at the edge of the area; it is countered by having possession and making the Argentinians run.

Comparing Yamal to Lionel Messi, another Barcelona prodigy and a star in the final, Laporta acknowledged Messi as the greatest player in history. He suggested that while Messi remains a threat, Barcelona's style of play, which emphasizes possession, is key to countering him. Laporta expressed his hope that Yamal would have a standout performance in the final, stating, "It is very difficult to stop Leo and also Lamine. I want and believe it will be Lamine's match, and he will consecrate himself. It's the law of football; now it's Lamine's turn."

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It is very difficult to stop Leo and also Lamine. I want and believe it will be Lamine's match, and he will consecrate himself. It's the law of football; now it's Lamine's turn.

Laporta also reflected on the significance of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, producing talents like Yamal, Gavi, and Cubarsí, as well as Messi. He sees it as a source of pride for the club. Looking ahead to the final, Laporta expressed confidence in Spain's ability to win their second World Cup, emphasizing the team's possession-based style, which he believes is similar to Barcelona's and has been adopted by the national team under Luis de la Fuente. He anticipates a game similar to Spain's match against France, which would increase their chances of victory.

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To think that Barça's La Masia produces and generates great talent players is a reason for pride. Lamine Yamal and many others, like Gavi, Cubarsí, Marc Bernal… and players like Messi. It is a pride for a club like ours that players who have been trained at home can become world champions. Now is Lamine's moment. Messi has given us years of glory and is part of Barça's splendid past.