Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is urging calm around Lamine Yamal, stressing that comparisons with Lionel Messi are not useful as Spain chase their first win of the 2026 World Cup, with Yamal expected to have a bigger role against Saudi Arabia after featuring from the bench in the goalless opener against Cape Verde.
The 18-year-old has already become Spain's youngest debutant and youngest scorer, and the winger has produced six goals and 11 assists in 26 international appearances, while for Barcelona Yamal has played 151 matches, scoring 49 goals and creating 45 more, underlining why expectations are building around the teenager.
Against Cape Verde, Yamal was only fit enough to enter in the 71st minute, yet the Barcelona player still attempted
five dribbles, more than any other footballer on the pitch, as Spain were held to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup opener, increasing the focus on how many minutes Yamal will manage against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Hemos analizado el partido ante Cabo Verde desde el espritu de la mejora. Vamos a mantener la idea y ya veremos si cambiamos piezas. Lamine Yamal est bien, esa es una de las mejores noticias. Luis de la Fuente, seleccionador.#VamosEspaa | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/X4eh0KjwtaSeleccin Espaola Masculina de Ftbol (@SEFutbol) June 20, 2026
De la Fuente made clear that he does not welcome debates linking Yamal with Messi or other stars, saying: It would be a mistake to compare [Yamal] to anyone, De la Fuente told reporters. He's 18, in a process of development, of maturing. We have to let him follow his path.
The Spain coach argued that players with rare talent are equipped to cope with major tournaments and media focus, explaining his view with a broader comparison: These kinds of players, who have something different, are ready for it. They're geniuses, like Salvador Dali, or Michelangelo. What seems exceptional to us, isn't for them.
When asked directly whether Lamine Yamal will start the World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, De la Fuente declined to confirm the line-up and replied: We'll evaluate that. The best news is that he's here. Lamine is in a good moment. Whether he plays 55, 58 or 63 minutes, that will depend on the game. We'll think about his contribution to the team, and what's beneficial for him.
Yamal's record with Spain and Barcelona illustrates why there is so much attention on the winger, and the following table sets out his key numbers for club and country so far in his career.
| Team | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 26 | 6 | 11 |
| Barcelona | 151 | 49 | 45 |
With Spain seeking momentum in the group stage, De la Fuente appears determined to balance Yamal's growing influence on the pitch with a careful long-term plan, asking that expectations remain measured while the teenager continues to develop during the World Cup and future seasons for both Spain and Barcelona.
