Lamine Yamal has grown into the tournament, with the Barcelona star becoming increasingly influential as Spain have advanced through the World Cup. The 19-year-old won the penalty that helped send La Roja on their way to victory over France in the semi-final, and he will now be hoping to make an even bigger impact by getting on the scoresheet against Argentina in the final.
That is, of course, if Yamal is fit enough to start on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. The World Cup final kicks off at 19:00 UTC.
The injury concerns
Lamine Yamal missed Spain's main training session on Thursday at the Red Bull Training Facility in Hanover, where preparations took place under hazy skies caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Barcelona star trained separately after appearing to limp post match and gingerly walk up the stairs to his family following Tuesday's semi-final victory over France, with the issue believed to be muscle discomfort.
Yamal was also spotted with his left thigh heavily strapped, although the exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed. Encouragingly for Spain and Barcelona fans alike, the 19-year-old appeared in good spirits, laughing and joking with his teammates during the session, suggesting the injury may not be as serious as initially feared.
Will Lamine Yamal start for Spain?
The Spanish winger is already one of the first names on Luis de la Fuente's teamsheet whenever the biggest international matches come around. Yamal announced himself to the world by inspiring Spain to European Championship glory as a 17-year-old, and while he has yet to truly explode at this World Cup, few would bet against him delivering on the grandest stage.
Argentina's full-backs have looked vulnerable at times throughout the tournament, and Yamal will undoubtedly be eager to exploit those areas with his trademark pace and dribbling. He will, however, also have to contend with the aggressive, dark arts defending that Lionel Scaloni's side displayed during their semi-final victory over England.
If Yamal is at least 75% fit, it would be a surprise if he didn't start. His ability to draw two or even three defenders whenever he receives the ball makes him too important for Spain to leave out.
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