Lamine Yamal hails Morocco forward Ismael Saibari as World Cup surprise

Spain forward Lamine Yamal has described Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari as the biggest surprise of the 2026 World Cup, while revealing his dream of swapping shirts with Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

Speaking in a brief interview with Mundo Deportivo ahead of Spain’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, the teenage star also said he hopes to meet Argentina in the tournament’s final if both nations progress.

“I hope to face Argentina in the World Cup final, if we reach the final stage,” Yamal said.

Messi shirt remains the dream

Asked which player he would most like to exchange shirts with, Yamal did not hesitate in naming the Argentina captain.

“Which player would you like to swap shirts with? With Lionel Messi.”

The Barcelona winger also highlighted Morocco’s Ismael Saibari as the player who has impressed him more than anyone else during the tournament, underlining the impact the Atlas Lions have made on football’s biggest stage.

“Ismail Saïbari, the star of the Moroccan national team, is the player who has surprised me the most in the World Cup so far.”

Off-field ambitions

Away from football, Yamal said he hopes to make the most of his time in the United States by visiting New York and meeting NBA superstar LeBron James.

“I hope to visit New York, and I also want to meet LeBron James, the NBA star.”

The Spain international was also asked which former Spanish player he would most like to have in the current national team.

“Which former Spanish player would you have included in this squad? Andres Iniesta.”

Spain face Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals as Yamal looks to help La Roja continue their bid for the title, while Morocco’s Saibari, despite missing the Atlas Lions’ clash with France through injury, has already earned praise from one of the tournament’s brightest young stars for his performances in the competition.