Iniesta warns Spain’s World Cup hopes rest on Yamal’s impact

In a candid interview, former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta stressed that Spain’s chances of adding a second World Cup title hinge on teenager Lamine Yamal, describing the forward as a ‘very important player’ whose influence could decide matches in the upcoming tournament.

Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, says the current Spanish generation possesses the talent to challenge for glory once more. He believes the blend of experience and youth gives the side a balanced edge.

He notes that while major tournaments are unpredictable, Spain have enough quality to compete with the world’s best nations.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta said, “Lamine Yamal is a very important player for the national team, and the team’s future obviously also depends a great deal on the difference Lamine Yamal can make in matches.”

He added that the margins in such tournaments are extremely small, warning that even minor mistakes can alter an entire campaign. “These kinds of tournaments are very difficult and the slightest detail can prove very costly,” he warned.

Iniesta still regards Spain as one of the favourites, citing the squad’s players and the impression they give as evidence. “For me, Spain is one of the favourites, because of the players and the impression they give me,” he said.

He highlighted that Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappé have each scored six goals so far, and observed that traditional powerhouses such as Germany and the Netherlands have already been eliminated.

Despite the challenges, Iniesta remains optimistic, hoping and praying that Spain can capture a second World Cup star.