Going International: Lamine Yamal slams back on Rabiot's words with his masterclass against France

The 1st Euro semifinal between Spain and France saw France going through to the finals of the Euro 2024 tournament. Due to a masterclass performance from the Barca boy, Lamine Yamal, and a clutch goal from Olmo, Spain was able to get past France 2-1 in an enthralling encounter.

Though the fixture witnessed many storylines becoming unforgettable football tales, the Rabiot-Lamine Yamal clash on and off the pitch surely tops the list.

How the rift started?

Adrien Rabiot, in a media address before the fixture, said these words,

""We'll try to get Lamine Yamal out of his comfort zone. If he wants to play the final, he'll have to do more than what he has done so far.""

- Adrien Rabiot

Though this seemed a clever mind tactic from Didier Deschamps' squad, Lamine Yamal's cryptic message made it even more interesting. Yamal's post read,

""Move in Silence' only speak when it's time to say checkmate"."

- Lamine Yamal

The youngster's words had made it clear that something exceptional was about to come from the 16-year-old Barca boy.

Lamine Yamal's reply to Rabiot

As the fixture kickoff, the spotlight was on Lamine Yamal about how he would respond with his performance to the Frenchman.

And the way he responded made people go crazy on social media. His brilliant curler from outside the box made it 1-1 after Kolo Muani's header had given France the lead. What made the goal more iconic was that it made Adrien Rabiot the first viewer of the golazo as he stood up against Yamal to block the shot.

Later, a clutch finish from Dani Olmo sealed the game for Spain, making their way to the Euro Finals. However, the final nail in the coffin was put by Yamal's after-whistle gesture as the youngster said to the camera,

"“Speak now, Speak now!""

- Lamine Yamal

Moreover, Yamal's end-game gesture made interviewers ask as to whom was his words directed towards, to which Yamal responded,

""That person knows for whom the message was.""

- Lamine Yamal

At only 16 years old, the youngster is showing unstoppable levels. Whether replying to a critic with his performance or winning it in clutch moments for his team, Yamal's talent has no signs of stopping. Going into the Finals, Lamine Yamal would surely be the most vital player for De La Fuente's squad.