Lamine Yamal declares Messi GOAT after Argentina captain's World Cup hat-trick

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has named Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time following the Argentina captain's hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. Yamal made the comments to RTVE ahead of Spain's group match versus Saudi Arabia. 'Messi's hat-trick? Every match he plays proves he is the greatest player in history,' Yamal said. 'If anyone still has doubts, it's because they're deliberately looking for them. Leo is the GOAT.' The 17-year-old Barcelona forward's endorsement adds to the ongoing debate about football's greatest player as Messi continues representing Argentina in what is likely his final World Cup campaign. Spain faces Saudi Arabia knowing Yamal shares the pitch with football's most celebrated talent. Is this about individual brilliance or Yamal recognizing that watching Messi up close confirms the legend?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/19/2026-world-cup-lamine-yamal-picks-goat-after-messis-hat-trick/