Lamine Yamal has never made a secret of the admiration he holds for Lionel Messi, but with the FIFA World Cup entering its decisive stages, the Barcelona winger has made it clear that sentiment will not stand in the way of silverware.

In the past, Yamal has admitted that facing Argentina in the final would be a dream scenario, setting up the possibility of an emotional meeting with the player who inspired his journey into professional football.

The comments attracted attention across the football world, and Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has now shared his thoughts on the Barcelona star’s remarks while also looking ahead to Spain’s heavyweight meeting with France.

Scaloni agrees with Yamal’s assessment

Spain booked their place in the semi-finals after overcoming Belgium in a dramatic quarter-final, where Mikel Merino’s late goal proved enough to seal a 2-1 victory.

Their reward is a blockbuster encounter with France, a fixture many have already described as worthy of the World Cup final itself.

Speaking after that victory, Yamal suggested that the upcoming World Cup semi-final between Spain and France is not short of being a World Cup final.

Now, during his latest media appearance, Scaloni was asked about the Barcelona youngster’s comments and acknowledged that Spain have fully justified their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

The Argentina coach said,

“I agree. I don’t think what he’s saying is wrong. Even before the World Cup, we were already saying they were among the favourites.

“Spain deserved to beat Belgium earlier on. France stepped up against Morocco. But unfortunately, only one of the two will reach the final,” he said, according to AS.

Yamal’s admiration for Messi

It must be remembered that in previous interviews, Yamal has stated that if Spain were to qualify for the final, he would like to play that match against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

On that note, although the possibility of facing Argentina carries obvious sporting significance, it also represents something more personal for Yamal.

The Barcelona winger has repeatedly credited Messi as the footballer who influenced his love for the game.

Like the Argentine legend, Yamal emerged from La Masia before breaking into Barcelona’s first team at a remarkably young age and quickly establishing himself as one of his country’s most influential players.

Those parallels have inevitably fuelled comparisons, although Yamal has consistently expressed his desire to build his own legacy rather than imitate anyone else.

A World Cup final against Messi would therefore represent both a symbolic passing of the torch and one of the biggest moments of the teenager’s remarkable rise.