"Neymar must be there": Yamal backs idol for WC as Barca chase another miracle
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.04.26. | 20:36
Teenage star draws inspiration from Neymar and LeBron ahead of Atletico Madrid Champions League showdown (Tuesday, 10 pm)
The chances of Neymar making Brazil's World Cup squad are fading fast.
After being left out of the squad for friendlies against Croatia and France, the message from Carlo Ancelotti is clear - only fully fit, tactically disciplined players will make the cut. At this stage of his career, Neymar no longer fits that profile. As things stand, his World Cup story may end at three appearances.
But not everyone agrees.
A significant part of the Brazilian public continues to push for his inclusion, and among those voices is Lamine Yamal.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona's crucial Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night (10 pm), where the Catalans must overturn a 0-2 deficit, the teenage sensation made a heartfelt case for his idol.
"I've watched that game so many times," Yamal said, recalling Barca's historic 6-1 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. "Neymar was a huge part of my childhood. He's my idol, and I'll always be grateful for everything he's given to football."
His admiration runs deeper than nostalgia.
"People bought tickets because of Neymar. Then they'd go home and rewatch what he did, just to understand it again. He inspired all of us. I hope he plays at the World Cup."
Neymar, however, isn't the only figure shaping Yamal's mindset.
The young Barca star has also drawn inspiration from LeBron James. After the recent derby win over Espanyol, Yamal even replaced his profile picture with an image of LeBron - a nod to the NBA legend's iconic 2016 comeback with Cleveland from 1-3 down in the Finals.
The message was clear - comebacks are possible.
And Yamal believes Barcelona can deliver one of their own in Madrid.
"LeBron is one of the players who inspires me before matches like this," he said. "I think about how he led that comeback - and I hope I can do something similar. But I'm not alone. We have so many great players.
"We have to do what we've done all season. Fight for the badge. Believe. Stay positive. We all want this."
As for the approach? Simple.
"Intensity,” Yamal insisted. "We can't go into the game thinking a comeback is a miracle. It's 2-0, but we have to believe we can turn it around."
Barcelona have done it before. Now, inspired by idols past and present, their brightest young star believes they can do it again.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTER FINALS
Return leg
Tuesday
22.00: (3.75) Atl.Madrid (4.30) Barcelona (1.82)
22.00: (2.45) Liverpool (4.25) PSG (2.60)
Wednesday
22.00: (1.50) Arsenal (4.30) Sporting (7.75)
22.00: (1.60) Bayern (5.10) Real Madrid (4.85)
***odds are subject to change***