Messi Calls Facing Yamal in World Cup Final 'Crazy' After Holding Him as Baby
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Lionel Messi expressed amazement at facing 19-year-old Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final, years after holding him as a baby.
- Messi called the situation "crazy" and acknowledged Yamal's rapid rise in football.
- Yamal, who inherited Messi's number 10 shirt at Barcelona, could become the youngest player to win both the Euros and the World Cup.
Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, described the upcoming World Cup final as "crazy" due to facing Spain's young sensation Lamine Yamal. The surreal encounter comes years after Messi, then 20, held a five-month-old Yamal in a charity photoshoot in 2007.
During a news conference in New York, NFL legend Tom Brady showed Messi the photos, calling them "very prophetic." Messi, 39, reflected on the images, stating, "That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy."
That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.
Yamal, 19, has experienced a meteoric rise in football. He made his debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old and has since inherited the iconic number 10 shirt previously worn by Messi. Yamal was instrumental in Spain's victory at Euro 2024 and now has the chance to become the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.
Messi praised the young talent, calling him "one of the best in the world right now." He added, "I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona's success."
He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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