[Anchor]
Ahead of the World Cup final in the early hours of the day after tomorrow (the 20th), Lionel Messi and key players from both teams attended a press conference. Messi expressed his anticipation, saying it is truly amazing that his connection with Yamal, which began 19 years ago when Yamal was a baby, has led to them meeting in the final.
Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.
[Reporter]
With sports stars such as tennis player Novak Djokovic, NBA star Kevin Durant, and NFL legend Tom Brady hosting the event,
[The captain of Argentina! Lionel Messi!]
Appearing with a bright smile amidst the cheers of fans, Messi said he is deeply moved that Yamal, whom he met 19 years ago during a charity photo shoot, has grown into Spain's ace and become his opponent in the final.
[Lionel Messi/Argentina Forward: Honestly, that photo is just unbelievable. I took a picture with Yamal when he was just a baby, and now we are facing each other on the World Cup stage. I wish Yamal the best of luck.]
However, he emphasized that a match is a match, expressing confidence in the single-elimination game.
[Lionel Messi/Argentina Forward: Spain has many threatening players besides Yamal. Their team performance is also excellent. But our team has our own strengths as well.]
Spain's captain Rodri acknowledged that while it is certain Messi is the greatest player of all time, football is a team sport. He pledged that they would unite as one team to reclaim the championship trophy for the first time in 16 years.
[Rodri/Spain Midfielder: In tournaments like this, trust in yourself and the team is always key. We are ready to give everything we have in the final.]
With Spain's coach confirming that there are no issues with Yamal's participation in the final despite concerns over a potential injury, interest in the showdown between the "god" Messi and the "rising star" Yamal is reaching a fever pitch.
Reported by Jeon Yeongmin | Video by Park Jeong-sam | Graphics by Han Heung-soo | Produced by SBS Digital News
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