Lamine Yamal fit for World Cup final after injury scare

Spain’s Lamine Yamal is in perfect physical condition for the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed on Friday. The 19-year-old winger missed training on Thursday but returned fully on Friday after a thigh injury sustained in the semifinal win over France on Tuesday.

What happened to Lamine Yamal?

Yamal took a hard knock during Spain’s 2-1 semifinal victory over France, limping off the pitch before staying on to finish the match. De la Fuente described it as a 'dead leg' in the thigh, a painful but minor issue. The coach opted to rest Yamal on Thursday as a precaution, calling it 'invisible training.'

Why it matters for Spain’s World Cup hopes

Yamal is the face of Spain’s new generation, having already made a major impact at the tournament. His fitness is crucial as Spain aims to win its second World Cup title. The final also pits Yamal against Lionel Messi, who may be playing his last World Cup match at 39.

What comes next?

Spain will hold its final training session on Saturday before facing Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. De la Fuente emphasized that Yamal is fully fit and ready to play, dismissing any concerns about his availability.

The coach’s message to Lamine Yamal

De la Fuente urged Yamal to focus on being himself rather than trying to emulate Messi’s legacy. 'Lamine needs to be Lamine,' the coach said, praising Messi’s example but stressing that Yamal’s potential lies in his own unique talent.