7M - Xavi Hails Lamine Yamal Before World Cup Final

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, former Barcelona manager and midfield icon Xavi Hernandez spoke to Radio Nacional de Espana (RNE) to praise teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Xavi recounted how the Barcelona coaching staff first noticed Yamal's exceptional footballing IQ when the forward was just 15 years old. Describing the youngster as Spain's ultimate difference-maker and a true blessing, Xavi stated that Yamal possesses all the necessary attributes to eventually become the best player in world football.

Xavi highlighted that Yamal is part of a broader, exceptionally talented generation of young players—including Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez—who developed under his guidance at Barcelona and have the potential to dominate international football for the next decade. Drawing parallels to his own historic 2010 World Cup-winning team, Xavi noted that this current Spanish squad mirrors that legendary side due to their collective strength and lack of big egos.

The upcoming title match will also pit Spain against Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Xavi, who shares a close personal relationship with his former teammate, labeled Messi a competitive beast and praised his evolution into a true spiritual leader for La Albiceleste. Looking past the final, Xavi also expressed his own ambitions to return to the global stage, revealing that a national team coaching role would perfectly suit his current family situation.