"He looks 19 years old": De la Fuente praises Messi's performance at the World Cup

Luis de la Fuente praised Lionel Messi, at the press conference before the duel with Belgium, which will take place this Friday (10), at 4pm. The commander of the Spanish team also highlighted the quality of the French team, but stressed that, for now, the focus is entirely on the team led by Rudi Garcia.

"Messi? He looks like he's 19 years old, or maybe 23. He's insatiable. He's an example for everyone in football. He always wants more. This shows that when we have a goal and work hard to achieve it, we are always closer to achieving it," said Luis de la Fuente.

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"It looks like I'm 19 or 23 years old"

"You are tireless, insatiable, an example"

"When someone wants to work and is always closer to their goals. Messi is a maestro in this" pic.twitter.com/r7MyGNnrYT

- Diario SPORT (@sport) July 10, 2026

If they beat Belgium, Spain will face France, led by Kylian Mbappé and company, in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Even so, Luis de la Fuente, despite recognizing the quality of the Gauls, ensured that all attention is focused on the quarter-final match.

"Belgium is a very experienced team, made up of players who are used to competing and winning at the highest level in the main European clubs. It will therefore be the most difficult game we have faced so far. As for France, I saw the game and they were superior, but our focus is exclusively on the next challenge", he concluded.

Finally, the Spanish commander addressed the form of Lamine Yamal, who has only found the net once in this World Cup so far.

"I think he is very motivated. We need to keep him calm, so that this doesn't turn into anxiety. We know that the best Yamal will appear. The other day (against Portugal), he faced a very strong opponent and only when he overcame Nuno Mendes was he able to show his maturity. Let's wait because he has what it takes."

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Source: CNN