World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi and Tom Brady discuss ‘prophetic’ Lamine Yamal photos
Lamine Yamal made his Barcelona debut at the age of 15 and inherited the number 10 jersey from Messi.
He helped Spain win Euro 2024 and, now 19, could become the youngest player to win the European Championship and World Cup.
“He is one of the best in the world right now,” said 39-year-old Messi.
“I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success.
“We will try to prevent him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, it’s not just him.
“He is a great player, a global star. He is 19 years old and has a whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but this time we will do our best to make sure he does not become a champion.”
Messi attended a fan event on Friday with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri.
After the press conference, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni hugged his Spanish counterpart Luis de la Fuente, who was one of the trainers when Scaloni received his UEFA Pro coaching license in Spain.
The event was hosted by former England defender Rio Ferdinand and actor Kevin Hart, while tennis legend Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant also attended Brady’s questioning.
Brady continued his ongoing feud with Logan Paul as they argued onstage before the record seven-time Super Bowl-winning YouTuber-turned-WWE star slapped the YouTuber and New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns separated them.
