Lamine Yamal has insisted there is no such thing as a higher participant on this planet than Lionel Messi after his heroic hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup opener towards Algeria.
Messi stole the present Wednesday in a 3-0 win at Kansas Metropolis Stadium, serving to spark Argentina’s bid to defend its World Cup title.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s treble brings his complete variety of World Cup objectives to 16, equaling Miroslav Klose because the event’s all-time main scorer.
He’s additionally the oldest participant to attain a number of objectives in a World Cup match at 38 years and 357 days, surpassing Roger Mila’s document of 38 years and 34 days.
Yamal mentioned there was no debate as to who was the most effective participant of all time, however he mentioned he was solely the second participant after Cristiano Ronaldo to attain in 5 totally different World Cups.
“Each recreation proves that he’s the most effective of all time. If there are individuals who have doubts, it is as a result of they’re searching for it,” Yamal advised RTVE.
“I’ve nothing extra to say. My idol is Neymar, however Messi is the most effective.”
sixteenth – Lionel Messi scores a hat-trick towards Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose because the participant with probably the most objectives on the World Cup.
Unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/bJ9PhDwlsG
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) June 17, 2026
Yamal was solely match sufficient to play 19 minutes of Spain’s 0-0 draw with World Cup debutant Cape Verde in Monday’s opening Group H recreation.
The 19-year-old watched because the world’s greatest gamers took off in North America whereas watching his crew battle within the Remaining Three.
Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland every scored twice for his or her respective internationals, however Yamal did not really feel as a lot strain because the gamers round him.
“My enjoying model is totally different. I wish to have enjoyable and I wish to win. I do not wish to rating 16 objectives and be eradicated within the semi-finals. That is not what I am searching for,” Yamal added.
Spain has not gained of their final 4 World Cup matches (D3 L1) and has the worst successful streak within the event, and can subsequent face Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium.
Coach Luis de la Fuente didn’t verify whether or not Yamal would begin towards Saudi Arabia, however added that the Barcelona attacker is match and prepared, however not able to play the total 90 minutes.
“I am okay, I really feel good, however it’s untimely and pointless. I am nonetheless calming down,” Yamal mentioned.
“It isn’t the best time to play a full recreation but, however I can play as many minutes because the supervisor desires.
“I wish to be on the pitch. Even when I do know I will not be capable to play 90 minutes, on the finish of the day I all the time wish to exit and assist the crew.”
