Lamine Yamal broke through for Barcelona at 15 and now sports the iconic number 10 once worn by Messi.
After helping Spain win Euro 2024, the 19-year-old could become the youngest player ever to claim both the European Championship and the World Cup.
Messi, 39, called him one of the world’s best players and said Yamal’s rise bodes well for Barcelona.
He added that Argentina will work to limit Yamal’s impact, noting Spain’s quality extends well beyond a single star.
Messi described Yamal as a phenomenal, global talent with a long career ahead, wished him well, but vowed Argentina would do everything to stop him lifting the trophy this time.
Messi attended a fan event on Friday with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Spain captain Rodri.
After the news conference, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni embraced Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who taught on Scaloni’s UEFA Pro Licence course in Spain.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand and actor Kevin Hart hosted, while tennis legend Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant joined Tom Brady in asking questions.
Brady’s ongoing feud with Logan Paul reignited on stage; after a heated exchange, the seven-time Super Bowl champion slapped the YouTuber-turned-WWE performer before New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns stepped in to separate them.