Lamine Yamal set to face Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday; Lionel Messi next | OneFootball

Just 17 years old, Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is already one of the mainstays of the Spanish national team.

The teenage sensation was the star of the show for La Roja last summer as they won the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.

Later this week, the winger, who is in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or this year, will have a shot at winning his second title with the national team.

Lamine vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Indeed, Lamine has the chance to claim his second international trophy as Spain face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.

One of the greats of the modern game, Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer and a five-time Ballon d’Or.

The Portuguese maverick shared a long and historic rivalry with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for the title of the best player on the planet.

Now, Lamine, considered the heir to that title faces off against Cristiano tomorrow in what will be a momentous occasion for the youngster.

Lamine will take on both Cristiano and Messi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lamine vs Messi soon

Meanwhile, in another few months, Lamine is also expected to square off against former Barcelona captain Messi – a player he considers one of his biggest idols.

The 17-year-old La Masia is regarded as the heir to the Argentine icon at Barcelona and has been constantly compared to the eight-time Ballon d’Or.

Having won the Euros, Lamine will now have the chance to face his childhood hero when Spain meet Argentina in the next edition of the Finalissima, a match between the champions of Europe and South America.

The game is expected to be played in March 2026, although the exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed.

In May, officials from UEFA, CONMEBOL, the AFA, and the RFEF met in Asuncion, Paraguay, to discuss the match. However, no final agreement on scheduling or location has been reached.

The match against Ronaldo and then the encounter against Messi will serve as a platform for Lamine’s coronation as the best in the world.