Lamine Yamal talks up Barcelona deal for Julian Alvarez – “We will welcome him with open arms” | OneFootball

The big story surrounding Barcelona this summer is their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, and many of their players have already discussed the situation publicly. The vast majority have spoke with excitement about the possibility of signing the Atletico Madrid striker, with one of them being Lamine Yamal.

A couple of weeks ago, Lamine Yamal stated that he and his Barcelona teammates are “waiting for Alvarez” to join, and on Thursday, he was once again asked about the matter during an interview with MD.

“Everyone knows that he is a top player, the kind that everyone wants to play with. I already said it: we will welcome him with open arms and, if he comes, we will all be very happy. I think he’s a player who fits in with Barça’s style. I have no idea how the situation is, but I hope he joins.”

Lamine Yamal on Messi – No one expected this high level”

Lamine Yamal was also asked to give his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona icon is the top scorer in the tournament with eight goals in five matches, and even the man that may see as his successor has been shocked by how well the 39-year-old has played in North America.

“Incredible. Everyone knows who Messi is, but no one expected the high level he is giving. I’m very happy for him. I’m happy for Neymar, even if he’s no longer here, and for Cristiano. They have marked the childhood of all of us who are playing now. Whatever good happens to them will be good for me. Of course, if I reach the final, I want to win it.”

There are chances for Lamine Yamal and Messi to face off in the World Cup final, with Spain and Argentina in opposite sides of the draw. It would be a fitting conclusion to the tournament, given that fans were robbed of the match-up earlier this year when La Finalissima was cancelled.