On 19 July, the football world is set to witness a fairytale final. On one side are Europe’s current champions, Spain; on the other, Copa America’s defending champions, Argentina — two powerhouses meeting on the World Cup’s biggest stage.
But the main draw of this blockbuster final is not merely the trophy; it is one of the most improbable twists of fate in football history. All the fans’ spotlight is now on two superstars: Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
Yamal had dreamed of taking the field against this living Argentine legend in football’s most important match. At last, on the sport’s biggest stage, that dream is about to be realised.
Recently, in an interview with the popular sports platform DAZN about facing Messi, Yamal said with a smile: “I’ve grown up a little, and Leo has grown too (in experience). I hope I can face him in a final, especially since our Finalissima match didn’t end up being played in the end.”
Now Yamal’s dream is about to come true. In the battle for footballing immortality, it is Messi whom this Spanish poster boy will stand against.
Next Sunday (19 July), in the grand showdown of the final, the two will meet as opponents. For Messi, there is the beckoning chance to lift the last World Cup trophy of his golden career; for the young Yamal, the chance to establish himself as the new king on the stage of world conquest. The whole world now awaits this epic footballing battle.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report