Lamine Yamal appeared to issue a cryptic response to Adrien Rabiot ahead of Spain’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash with France on Tuesday.
Spain have established themselves among the favourites to claim the European Championships after a series of impressive displays, including a dramatic 2-1 victory against hosts Germany in the quarter-final of the competition.
Luis de la Fuente’s side led for much of the encounter in Stuttgart, only for Florian Wirtz to equalise dramatically in the final stages of normal time. Spain’s Mikel Merino, however, stepped up to prevent a penalty shootout with a last-gasp 119th-minute header.
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Meanwhile, Les Bleus came through a penalty shootout the same day, dispatching Portugal after an arduous goalless draw through 120 minutes.
France, who are one game away from a third major final in four tournaments, are yet to score in open play, but their defence has been imperious.
Much of Didier Deschamps’ hopes hinge on stopping Spanish teenager Yamal, who has been among the stars of the tournaments.
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It's a task that Rabiot believes his side are capable of.
In a press conference, the French midfielder said: "If Lamine Yamal wants to play in the Euro final with Spain, he will have to do much more against us than he has done so far.
“We will put pressure on him so that he is not comfortable.”
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And it appears Lamal has since responded on his Instagram story with a cryptic message.
The 16-year-old, in a post likely to be in direct response to Rabiot, said: "Move in silence, only speak when it is time to say checkmate.”
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Topics: Euro 2024, Spain, France, Adrien Rabiot, Lamine Yamal, Transfer News, Football
Chris Byfield