NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS) – “The truth is, that photograph is crazy. I took a picture with him when he was a child, and now we find ourselves facing each other in a World Cup final.“ This is how Lionel Messi describes the generational clash with Lamine Yamal, on the eve of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
The Argentine ace spoke about the Spanish talent during a panel in New York that brought together the captains and coaches of the two finalists, hosted by Tom Brady, Rio Ferdinand, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant. The reference is to the famous 2007 photograph of the newborn Yamal alongside Messi, which went viral on the eve of the World Cup title match. An image that today takes on an even more special meaning: 19 years later, the two will face each other again in the most important match in world football.
“Lamine is an extraordinary player, whom I’ve followed very closely because he plays for a club I love and for which I always wish the best. At 19, he’s already a world-class player and has his entire career ahead of him. He has a great opportunity to achieve something historic, but we’ll do our best to ensure it doesn’t happen this time. I wish him all the best. He’s one of the best players in the world right now,” added the Argentine captain.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
