LIONEL MESSI warned Lamine Yamal ahead of their superstar World Cup final showdown: “It’s not your time yet.”
The duo face off for the first time tonight as bid to become just the third nation to be crowned back-to-back champions.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi has a very long and unbelievable history with Spain star Lamine Yamal Credit: AP:Associated Press
Messi and Yamal first met in 2007 after the Spain star’s parents won a charity photoshoot in Barcelona Credit: AP:Associated Press
wonderkid Yamal, 19, was snapped with Messi as a five-month-old in 2007.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner , 39, said: “That photo is crazy. He’s a tremendous player — a global star.
“He has this great opportunity to make history in this final. But of course we will give everything so that it’s not this time.”
was held by Messi after his parents won a charity photoshoot in , where the young Spaniard now plays.
’s Messi added: “I had that photo with him when he was a baby. Facing each other now is incredible. He is a huge player I’ve followed a lot because he plays for a club I love.
“He’s one of the best in the world. He has his whole career ahead of him. But we will give our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”
Messi hopes to emulate Pele, who was part of the Brazil team that last retained the in 1962.
Spain skipper Rodri said: “What Messi means as a player and for Argentina goes beyond words. Obviously, for me, he’s the greatest of all time.
“But Argentina is more than just Messi. They are a very complete team with top-tier players.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni would not be drawn on whether tonight will be Messi’s final match of an extraordinary 20-year World Cup career.
He said: “What do I know? Ask him directly!
“I don’t have the foggiest idea. He doesn’t stop surprising us. Lionel is the best footballer the world has seen.
“Reaching a final at 39 is unbelievable. We miss . Messi is still with us, so we need to enjoy him.”
Messi now warns Yamal he won’t win the World Cup when they face off in the final Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Yamal and Messi will clash tonight for the first time ever Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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