Barcelona’s Hamza Abdelkarim ready for next World Cup challenge: ‘We are playing Argentina, not Messi’ | OneFootball

Hamza Abdelkarim is living a special moment with Egypt, but the Barcelona youngster is trying to keep his attention exactly where it belongs: on the pitch.

Speaking after Egypt’s Round of 32 win at the World Cup against Australia, which sets them up for a contest against Argentina in the next round, Hamza made it clear that he is not allowing the outside noise to distract him from his role.

As quoted by Egypt Today he said: “I am here to play football, so anything that is said outside, I try not to pay attention to it.

“When I enter the pitch, I do the thing that makes me happy, so I do not care about what anyone says or does outside the pitch. Of course, my focus is on the pitch.”

That is the right mentality from a young player. Talent matters, but maturity also matters when a footballer is suddenly placed under international attention.

Hamza has played in all of Egypt’s four matches. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Learning from Salah

Hamza was also asked about Mohamed Salah’s role as captain, and especially what the Liverpool legend has meant to him as the youngest player in the squad.

He said: “Since my first day here, Salah has been with me, and not only with me, but with the whole team. He tries to give us all his experience, and of course we try to benefit from him.”

Then came the line that shows how much this moment means to him.

“A history like Salah is something indescribable, and to be beside him is a dream and an honour for me,” the teenage striker added.

Hamza is not only training and competing at international level, he is sharing a dressing room with one of the greatest Egyptian players in football history.

No Messi obsession

Asked whether he had ever dreamed of playing a match against Lionel Messi, Hamza gave a confident answer.

“We are playing Argentina, not Messi,” the youngster stated.

Ready to face the GOAT Messi. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

That response shows maturity. Messi is still the biggest name in the match, and for any Barcelona-linked player, facing him naturally carries extra emotion.

However, Hamza understands that Egypt cannot approach the game as a one-man story.

He also revealed what coach Hossam Hassan told him before coming on: “To be the reason we win, God willing.”

Hamza may yet to have made his debut for the Barcelona first team, but he seems to have a very calm head on his shoulders.

He respects Salah, understands the size of Messi, listens to his coach and keeps his attention on the game.

That is exactly the type of mindset Barcelona want from young players, and it remains to be seen whether he gets a chance during pre-season.