Yamal's path through the tournament has been complicated by his return from a long-term injury sustained at the end of the domestic season. The technical staff have been careful with his minutes, resulting in a lack of consistent rhythm that was evident during Spain's draw in the group stages. With Nico Williams facing his own injury concerns, the burden on Yamal's shoulders has only increased.
The teenager previously admitted that scoring for his country at the World Cup was a "dream come true," but the task now is to maintain that level through the business end of the competition. As Spain eye a grueling knockout path that could ultimately set up a blockbuster final against Argentina, all eyes will be on whether the wonderkid can guide La Roja all the way to the showpiece event, rising to Kempes' challenge to prove he truly belongs alongside Messi and the game’s elite.