With Spain about to take on Lionel Messi and his Argentina squad in La Finalissima, Qatar next month, there are reports that head coach Lionel Scaloni has already devised a tactical strategy to act on the threat posed by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. It will also be the first time that Yamal and Messi will face each other on the international arena. Argentina come into the tournament as the titleholders having beaten Italy 3-0 in Wembley in 2022, with goals scored by Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria. The 2026 edition of the Finalissima, which was originally to take place last year, will come in March in Qatar.
Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal in Finalissima 2026
The young sensation, Lamine yamal has already made his way to the pinnacle of the world football scene because of his rapid growth into a conceivable danger due to his fearsome reputation. Having changed his number to Barcelona’s legendary number 10, the winger has contributed significantly towards regaining control of the club, both in the Spanish and European competitions. His performances made him second in the 2025 Ballon d’or race behind Ousmane Dembele and he also won the Kopa Trophy as the best young player in the world. Yamal has already grown to be the key of the Spanish attack with goals in the double digits and a number of assists already this season. Consequently, a large part of the pre match chat has been based on the way Argentina can limit his impact on the right flank.
How Is Argentina Planning To Stop Lamine Yamal And Spain?
As per an Argentinean outlet, DobleAmarilla, Scaloni will use a disciplined midfielder who will have to track back and consistently cover the left back every time Yamal pushes forward. This strategy is aimed at developing a two to one defensive strategy, which restricts the space and time in which the Barcelona winger can potentially operate. Argentina will attempt to block the supply lines of Spaniards by crowding Yamal out of areas of strategic importance and attempting to block his weapons of the gravest threat Spaniards represent. As the two countries possess the finest global talents and have contrasting playing styles, the tactical battle between Messi and his leadership and Yamal and his youthful brilliance would characterize what is likely to be an exciting Finalissima battle.
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