Argentina captain Lionel Messi confirmed that the strength of the Spanish national team, his country's opponent in the final of the 2026 North America World Cup, is not limited to the talent of young star Lamine Yamal.

Messi said during a meeting with fans in Manhattan, New York: "Spain is not only Lamine, they have fantastic players and a distinctive style of play, and we also have our weapons."

The "Albiceleste" captain added: "He is a world reference at 19 years old, with a historic opportunity to achieve an exceptional feat, but we will do our utmost to prevent that this time."

Golden Boot race

Messi (39) is having an exceptional tournament, leading the scoring chart with 8 goals, level with Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, while topping the all-time World Cup scorers list with 21 goals, one ahead of the runner-up.

In contrast, Lamine Yamal (19) has scored only one goal in his first World Cup appearance, having arrived at the tournament not fully fit after an injury in the final stretch of the Spanish league.

A photo of them together from 2007

Adding a special touch to this match is a photo taken in 2007, showing Messi bathing Yamal, who was then just a baby, during a charity photo shoot, a scene linking Barcelona's past, present, and future.

The two teams meet on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in a final considered one of the most exciting in the tournament's history.