Argentina boss reveals the only way to stop Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal: ‘I wish we could…’ | OneFootball

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted stopping Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal will be one of his side’s biggest challenges in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, joking that the only solution would be to keep the teenage winger away from the pitch.

Spain and Argentina will meet with the biggest prize in international football on the line, but much of the attention before kick-off has centred on Yamal after an outstanding tournament. 

The Barcelona winger has emerged as one of Spain’s driving forces, earning praise from opponents and teammates with his decisive performances.

Scaloni became the latest high-profile figure to speak about the teenager, highlighting both his quality and the impact he has already made despite his young age.

Scaloni jokes about stopping Lamine Yamal

Speaking ahead of the final, the Argentina coach admitted there is no simple tactical plan to neutralise the Barcelona attacker and responded with humour when asked how his team intend to deal with him.

He said, “How to stop Yamal? I wish we could lock Lamine in his room.”

Scaloni then turned serious as he reflected on the teenager’s rapid rise.

Scaloni spoke about the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

“He’s a fantastic player, a treasure for football. He’s still so very young, with so much more to offer to our game,” he said, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Spain earn Argentina’s full respect before the final

The Argentina boss also praised Spain as a whole, explaining that his coaching staff have spent months analysing Luis de la Fuente’s side ahead of the possibility of meeting them in the latter stages of the tournament.

While Yamal has attracted much of the spotlight, Scaloni made it clear that Argentina are preparing for a complete Spain side rather than focusing on one individual.

“Everything about Spain worries me. We’ll try to get the coach to leave the hotel,” he said.

The World Cup holders have followed Spain closely throughout the tournament and expect one of their toughest tests under De la Fuente, whose possession-based approach has helped La Roja reach another major final.

Scaloni has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“We’ve been analysing Spain since December as a potential World Cup opponent. No more so than any other opponent. 

“We’d analysed every possible scenario, and over-analysing isn’t good either. We know how they play.”

The Argentina coach was also questioned about Lionel Messi and whether the final could represent the legendary forward’s last appearance at a World Cup.

Responding honestly, Scaloni admitted even he has no idea what the future holds.

“I don’t know, what do I know? I haven’t got a clue. Because he never ceases to surprise us. That’s a question for him; I haven’t discussed it with him,” he commented.