Rangnick Compares Lamine Yamal to Messi After Influential Spain Start
High‑profile praise highlights how Spain’s tight minutes plan for the 18‑year‑old will shape the team’s World Cup approach.
Overview
- Lamine Yamal started and scored in Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and was withdrawn in the second half as staff managed his playing time.
- The winger tore his left hamstring in April and returned under a conservative, non-surgical rehabilitation program coordinated by Barcelona and Spain medical teams.
- Austria coach Ralf Rangnick publicly said Yamal could reach a level similar to Lionel Messi if he stays fit and grounded, bringing fresh global attention to the teenager.
- Spain’s coaching staff are limiting Yamal’s minutes to reduce reinjury risk, which increases pressure on other attackers to carry the team when he is rested.
- How Spain balance Yamal’s workload will influence their tactics and squad selection in the knockout phase and could shape the youngster’s long-term development and injury risk.