Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, confirmed that his national team will try to limit the danger of Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final, pointing out that the Spanish star has an exceptional future, but he hopes he does not achieve the historic feat in the upcoming match.

According to the Spanish newspaper 'Marca', the leaders and coaches of the Spanish and Argentine national teams gathered to take the official photo for the pre-match press conference of the World Cup final, in an atmosphere inspired by American style.

Luis de la Fuente and Rodri entered the hall to the tune of the song 'Despechá' by singer Rosalía, while Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, and Lionel Scaloni appeared to the tune of the song 'Matador' by the band 'Los Fabulosos Cadillacs'.

The session was moderated by Rio Ferdinand, Novak Djokovic, Kevin Durant, and Tom Brady, before the event's stars spoke.

Scaloni said: 'The best thing we Argentines have is that we grew up in very difficult places playing football. We only thought about football, and we must give everything we have when it's time to play, and do what we used to do when we were kids playing ball.'

Messi added: 'When we play, we don't think about pressure; we think about competing in the best possible way.'

About Lamine Yamal, Messi said: 'Lamine is a player capable of achieving a lot. He has a very great career ahead and a chance to achieve something historic, but I hope that doesn't happen this time.'

He concluded: 'Life is crazy. After that photo that brought us together before, now we are competing together for the World Cup, and this is amazing. I also wish him all the best with Barcelona. We will try not to let him perform at his best on Sunday, although that will be difficult.'

Shuuf | Messi comments on the famous photo that brought him together with Yamal when he was a baby: 'Facing Lamine in the World Cup final after this photo is crazy'! #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #AlkassChannels || #ShuufPlatform pic.twitter.com/V1Yt9mpJIB — Alkass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) July 18, 2026