Lamine Yamal comments on Messi and his own form ahead of World Cup quarter‑final

Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, aged 19, told Mundo Deportivo that Lionel Messi’s performances have exceeded expectations and praised the Argentine as a role model alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Yamal, a Euro 2024 champion, expressed optimism about Spain’s upcoming quarter‑final against Belgium and the possible semi‑final opponents, France or Morocco.

Subsequent analysis on Studio Mundial noted that Yamal has struggled to find his best form at the 2026 World Cup, citing health issues and a slower start to the tournament. Commentators observed that while his impact has been limited so far, Spain is not reliant on a single player and Yamal could still influence later matches.