"Every match proves he is the best player in history," the 18-year-old Spanish star told RTVE. "If anyone still doubts, they are simply looking for doubt. There's nothing more to add. My idol is Neymar because I enjoy watching him play. But Messi is the best, and that is beyond dispute."

Forward Lionel Messi (number 10) celebrates after scoring his second goal in a 2026 World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, US, 16/6. Photo: AP

Yamal is among the candidates for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot, alongside Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland. These players have all made their mark with braces or hat-tricks in their opening 2026 World Cup matches. Yamal, however, has not had much opportunity to showcase his talent. The young Spanish talent recently returned from a thigh muscle injury sustained in late April and played only 19 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their first Group H match.

Yamal stated he has not reached peak physical condition and is not ready to play a full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, the player born in 2007 affirmed he is always ready if coach Luis de la Fuente needs him. "I feel good and I'm in good condition," he added. "But it's too early to play the whole match. It's not necessary. I'm still in the adaptation process."

Spain is under pressure after a surprising draw against World Cup newcomer Cape Verde. De la Fuente's squad has not won four consecutive World Cup matches, with three draws and one loss, matching their worst streak in the tournament's history.

In the next round, Spain will face Arab Saudi. Yamal will likely continue to be used cautiously to prevent re-injury.

Lamine Yamal dribbles during Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their first Group H match of the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium, 15/6. Photo: AP

According to Yamal, time away from play due to injury has provided him with important lessons. Before the 2025-2026 season, the player had never experienced a serious injury in his career. Being sidelined during World Cup preparations has made him more mature.

The Spanish forward also revealed he was very worried about his World Cup participation immediately after sustaining the injury at Barca. However, doctors quickly reassured him that he would recover in time to participate in the tournament.

Despite the explosive performances from Mbappe and Messi early in the tournament, Yamal asserted he feels no pressure to compete for scoring records. "My style is different," he continued. "I want to enjoy football and I want to win. I don't want to score 16 goals and then be eliminated in the semifinals. That's not what I'm aiming for."

Nevertheless, his broader goal remains to conquer the world championship. To achieve that, Yamal believes Spain might have to overcome Messi and Argentina. "To win the World Cup, we must defeat the strongest teams. If we meet Argentina, even better. We are Spain and we want to face the strongest teams," he emphasized.

Hoang An (according to O Jogo)