Yamal Hails Messi’s Incredible World Cup Form, Eyes Spain’s Quarterfinal Glory

Tennessee, July 2026 : Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has showered praise on Argentine legend Lionel Messi, calling his performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026 “incredible” and expressing admiration for the veteran forward’s ability to continue performing at the highest level despite being 39 years old.

Messi has been one of the standout players of the tournament, leading the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals. His remarkable campaign has included a memorable hat-trick against Algeria—his first-ever in World Cup history—as well as a goal and an assist in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, a performance that helped the defending champions secure a place in the quarterfinals.

The Inter Miami star has also etched his name deeper into football history by surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his tally to 21 goals across multiple editions of the tournament.

Speaking to Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo, as quoted by ESPN, Yamal admitted he had been amazed by Messi’s consistency and influence.

“Messi’s performances in this tournament have been incredible,” Yamal said. “Everyone knows who Messi is and what he has achieved, but very few expected him to continue playing at such an extraordinary level. I’m genuinely happy for him because he continues to inspire football fans across the world.”

Messi had already cemented his legacy by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending the nation’s 36-year wait for football’s biggest prize. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after guiding Argentina to its third World Cup triumph.

The Argentine captain is currently enjoying another historic streak, having scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches—an unprecedented run that underlines his remarkable longevity and consistency on football’s biggest stage.

Yamal, who inherited Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey previously worn by Messi, also paid tribute to two other football icons who shaped his childhood—Brazil’s Neymar and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’m happy for Neymar, even though he’s no longer in the tournament, and for Cristiano Ronaldo as well,” Yamal said. “They, along with Messi, inspired an entire generation of players, including me. They shaped the childhood of so many footballers who are competing today.”

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 international goals, returned to the national team during the group stage after being sidelined for nearly two years due to injury. Despite concerns over a calf problem before the tournament, the 34-year-old featured in two matches and scored once before Brazil’s Round of 16 exit against Norway. Following the defeat, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, bringing an illustrious international career to a close.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey also ended in the Round of 16 after Portugal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain—a match in which Yamal played a crucial role for the Spanish side. At 41, Ronaldo was appearing in what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s all-time leading appearance-maker with 233 caps and record scorer with 146 goals, Ronaldo also became the only player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. He finished the 2026 tournament with three goals in five matches, including his first-ever knockout-stage World Cup goal.

Yamal stressed that despite competing against these legends, he continues to admire them deeply.

“Whatever good happens to Cristiano, Messi, or Neymar makes me happy,” he said. “They have achieved so much for football. But if I reach the final, then of course I want to win it.”

The 18-year-old also reflected on his own World Cup campaign. Having entered the tournament after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out for nearly two months, Yamal initially started on the bench before making his mark in Spain’s second group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, where he scored. Against Portugal in the Round of 16, he completed the full 90 minutes, registered three shots—including two on target—and was instrumental in Spain’s attacking display.

Looking back at his performances, Yamal admitted there is still room for improvement.

“I was out for almost two months, so it’s different from playing continuously,” he explained. “I need to keep touching the ball, keep playing, and get as many minutes as possible. I know my best football will come.”

The Barcelona youngster revealed that he remains his toughest critic.

“I believe I can do much better. I always expect more from myself and I’m never completely satisfied. I wasn’t the best player during the group stage, but that doesn’t worry me. I know I’ll have opportunities to prove myself. The bigger the matches become—whether it’s the semifinals or the final—the better I tend to play.”

Fresh from helping Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 title, Yamal is now fully focused on Spain’s quarterfinal clash against Belgium in Inglewood, California.

“I feel great physically and mentally,” he said. “I’m excited to show what our team can achieve and what I can contribute. Hopefully, the match against Belgium will be a memorable one for all of us as we continue our journey in this World Cup.”

Team Maverick