Barcelona icon hails Messi, backs Lamine Yamal to shine at World Cup final: ‘He enjoys pressure’ | OneFootball

Gerard Pique believes Lamine Yamal is made for occasions like the World Cup final, with the former Barcelona defender insisting the teenager has already shown he can thrive under the biggest pressure football has to offer.

Yamal will carry Spain’s attacking hopes when Luis de la Fuente’s side face Argentina on Sunday, and praise for the Barcelona winger continues to arrive from some of the biggest names in the game. 

Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni, Xavi Hernandez and Spain’s head coach have all spoken about the 19-year-old this week, and Pique has now joined that list.

Pique believes Yamal is built for biggest stage

Speaking before the World Cup final, Pique explained why he has complete faith in the Barcelona star despite the pressure that comes with playing in such a high-profile occasion.

“Lamine Yamal is very young, but I think he’s had an early start to life and has had to deal with and adapt to many situations.

Lamine Yamal has been backed by Gerard Pique. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“I think this has made him mature faster and prove that he’s ready to face situations like Sunday’s final. It might be difficult for a 19-year-old, under such immense pressure, to cope with it all.

“But I don’t think Lamine has any trouble with it; in fact, I think he enjoys it. I believe he’s a special and unique talent, and let’s hope he’s crowned world champion on Sunday.

“Let’s enjoy watching Lamine; he’s a truly unique and exceptional talent, and let’s hope he becomes world champion on Sunday,” said the former Barcelona defender.

Pique reflects on Lionel Messi’s legacy

Pique also spoke about Messi, his former Barcelona teammate, who will captain Argentina as he looks to win a second consecutive World Cup.

“If Leo wins the title, it would be a fantastic story for him to win it twice in a row. Perhaps many people didn’t expect that because Leo was getting on in years.

Lionel Messi is chasing consecutive World Cup titles. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

“Spain already won it in 2010 – it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my career – and winning it again would be a great achievement for the country.”

Asked how any team can stop Messi, Pique admitted there is rarely a perfect solution. He explained,

“He’s extraordinary. It doesn’t matter if you mark him with one, two or three players.

“He will find a way to unsettle the opposition’s defence and create an advantage for his team, whether with a decisive pass, a goal or by leaving a teammate unmarked,” he concluded.

Source: ESPN