Shakira offers verdict on whether Lamine Yamal can emulate Lionel Messi — “It depends on discipline”

Shakira offers verdict on whether Lamine Yamal can emulate Lionel Messi — “It depends on discipline” Lamine Yamal will be starting for Spain tonight as they take on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. It will be a special game for the Barcelona attacker, who has been widely tipped to become the next Lionel Messi. Ahead of this high-octane encounter, Colombian pop icon Shakira was asked whether she believes Yamal has what it takes to emulate Messi. Shakira on Yamal becoming the new Messi Shakira is supporting Spain in this World Cup final. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Rather than making any bold prediction, Shakira offered a rather balanced take on Yamal, stressing that discipline could be key if the Barcelona star wants to become the new Messi. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but it largely depends on discipline and perseverance. In the end, that’s how it is,” she said (h/t FCB World ). The singer, who has enjoyed one of the most enduring careers in the music industry, drew on her own experience to underline the point. “The thirty years I spent in my professional career were not the result of talent alone,” Shakira added. All eyes on the final Can Yamal prove his mettle against Argentina. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Shakira’s comments came just ahead of the World Cup final, where Yamal is expected to play a crucial role in the La Roja attack. Although Yamal hasn’t had a productive World Cup so far, having been largely recovering from a previous injury, he has been a constant threat on the flanks. His ability to dribble through players and provide width out wide could be key as Argentina fullbacks have looked quite vulnerable. Barcelona fans will surely keep a close eye on the explosive winger. His connection with Dani Olmo, in particular, could be crucial as the two had already tested the French defence multiple times in the final. It will be interesting to see if Yamal can score in the final as he does have a knack for scoring important goals in international matches. His only goal at the World Cup came against Saudi Arabia.