Spain and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has revealed the players who have impressed him most at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, singling out Vinicius Jr, Lionel Messi and Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari for special praise.
Currently with the Spain squad, Yamal said he has been following the tournament closely and admitted he has watched every match while keeping an eye on some of football’s biggest stars.
The 18-year-old also reflected on two of the tournament’s biggest knockout surprises, highlighting Morocco’s elimination of the Netherlands and Paraguay’s stunning victory over Germany.
“Yes, I watch it. I watch the whole World Cup. The Netherlands game was more evenly matched, but the Germany game was more of a surprise,” Yamal told Cope.
Asked which players have stood out, Yamal reserved praise for Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Morocco’s Saibari, whose performances have helped the Atlas Lions reach the Round of 16.
“Of the stars, I am liking Vini a lot. Obviously Messi, and Saibari I think is doing very well in the World Cup,” he said.
“I think he’s a player who plays very good football. Not only scoring goals, but he’s also playing well.”
Yamal’s endorsement adds to the growing acclaim for Saibari, who has been one of Morocco’s standout performers during an impressive World Cup campaign, while Vinicius and Messi continue to shine as two of the tournament’s biggest attacking threats.
