Yamal and Messi's Special Connection: "It's Truly Amazing," Says Messi

[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
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.