When asked if Spain would win the World Cup, Lamine Yamal simply smiled and said “yes.” His confident response, shared with American broadcaster CBS in the lead-up to the tournament, came as no surprise to those who have witnessed the young star rise to prominence as one of the world’s top players.

However, for many fans, Yamal needed to shine brightly during his first-ever World Cup for this prediction to materialize. So far, his performance has not yet reached that expectation.

Despite only scoring one goal and failing to register an assist, the 19-year-old forward is part of a Spanish team that has advanced seamlessly to the final, where they will take on Argentina this Sunday.

While superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland have stolen the spotlight, Yamal’s World Cup journey has remained relatively low-key.

Could this final be the moment he breaks out?

Lamine Yamal’s statistics with the Spanish national team are impressive. He hasn’t experienced a loss in any of the 27 competitive matches he has played. In major tournaments, he has started 12 games and won all of them, boasting the longest 100% win rate of any European player in this category.

If he scores during the final in New York on Sunday, he will join an elite group as only the third teenager to net a goal in a World Cup final, following in the footsteps of Pele in 1950 and Mbappe in 2018.

Should Spain secure victory, Yamal would also become just the fourth teenager to start and win a World Cup final, alongside Pele, Mbappe, and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982. Additionally, fellow 19-year-old teammate Pau Cubarsi may also achieve this milestone.

“No one will care whether Lamine has scored lots of goals and created lots of goals,” said a Spain fan. “If he wins the World Cup with Spain, he will be a legend forever.”

“If we lose to Argentina, no one will remember his first World Cup. We know he will have many more opportunities, and we believe he will become the greatest.

“But not many teenagers get the chance to win a World Cup. This is his chance. He will have regrets if we lose and he hasn’t performed at his best.”

Most World Cup Dribbles but No Assists

So, has the tournament truly been disappointing for the Barcelona prodigy? Not exactly.

Entering the competition with an injury, Yamal initially started on the bench and struggled to break through Cape Verde’s defense when he was substituted into their opening goalless match.

He made his full World Cup debut in the following game, scoring just 10 minutes after kickoff, and was substituted at halftime to continue his recovery.

Since then, he has started every match as Spain has advanced through the rounds and defeated tournament favorites France, reaching their second World Cup final.

“Obviously, I want to score, but I don’t go on the pitch thinking about that. I focus on helping the team,” Yamal stated.

“If we win the World Cup, no one will remember whether I scored goals… the important thing is winning.

“I know I can make an impact even if I don’t score. My movements attract many defenders, and I do everything I can to help the team.”

He has certainly been a constant threat on the field, attempting 49 dribbles throughout the tournament, more than any other player, and completing 22 of those, trailing only Messi, who completed 25.

Before Spain’s notable semifinal win over France, midfielder Rodri suggested Yamal might be playing with some anxiety.

“I think he needs to calm down a bit, that anxiety that sometimes comes with proving himself,” Rodri remarked. “He’s a very important player for us because of what he contributes with and without the ball. He’s very intelligent.”

“It’s true that he’s 19 years old, and we need to help him stay calm during the game’s critical moments.”

The Passing of the Baton

Discussing Lamine Yamal inevitably leads to comparisons with Messi, especially with both players set to face off in the final.

Everyone knows about their first encounter nearly two decades ago when a five-month-old Yamal was famously photographed being bathed by a 20-year-old Messi.

These comparisons are fueled by Yamal’s rising statistics, which indicate he is on track to inherit the mantle from what many consider the greatest player of all time.

At only 19, he has already participated in a Champions League semifinal, won a European Championship, and donned the iconic number 10 shirt at Barcelona, a number Messi held for nearly 15 years.

By now, Yamal has logged 151 appearances for Barcelona, whereas Messi had only made 41 by his 19th birthday on June 24, 2006.

Yamal is no longer seen merely as a prodigy. Having been in the spotlight for four years, he is now an established player.

Although he doesn’t need a World Cup title to affirm his legacy—after all, Messi’s first came at age 35— it’s certainly something he desires.

Manager Luis de la Fuente seeks to manage narratives around the Messi comparisons.

“The worst mistake would be to compare him to Messi and Maradona,” he stated. “He is in the midst of a process.

“He has great calmness and strength. Players like him, who possess something unique, are prepared for this moment. They are geniuses, akin to Dali or Michelangelo.

“In those extremes, they feel comfortable. What we see as exceptional, they perceive as normal.”

The narrative surrounding Sunday’s match largely focuses on whether Messi can capture his second World Cup at age 39. However, if Spain triumphs, it may signify a passing of the torch to Lamine Yamal.

Inside Lamine Yamal’s World Cup

Lamine Yamal has become a superstar. Upon arriving at the hotel, his two close friends, who accompany him everywhere, were treated like VIPs by over 200 fans waiting for the players to exit.

Similarly, his mother, Sheila, felt the star treatment, which pleases Yamal immensely as he strives to provide his family with a better life.

Fans have also taken a liking to his younger brother, Keyne, with whom Yamal shares a close relationship. He enjoys the entire experience, especially seeing his family relish it as well.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. Just a few days ago, there was an attempted break-in at his home in Catalonia, which was thwarted when intruders noticed security cameras and fled.

While Yamal is still regaining full fitness and admits he hasn’t performed at his peak, he is eager to showcase his abilities.

He often reflects on the joy he felt playing on the concrete pitches in Rocafonda, a working-class neighborhood in Mataro, Spain, where fans would applaud his skills from the sidelines.

He aims to replicate that exhilarating feeling in every match.

The team encourages Yamal to express himself on the pitch while also being strategic.

Many believe he is the only player capable of clinching a victory single-handedly, though so far, the team hasn’t needed him to do so.