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Spain have started their build-up to the 2026 World Cup final, but there are fresh concerns over the fitness of teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh and did not take part in full training as La Roja prepared for their highly anticipated clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Sunday.

There were noticeable injury concerns surrounding the Barcelona youngster as Spain returned to the training ground for the first time since securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup final. The mood in the camp was somewhat cautious, with both Yamal and Pedro Porro training separately from the main group. Yamal’s visible bandage on his left thigh has raised doubts over his participation in what could be the biggest match of his career so far.

Yamal felt discomfort after Spain’s semi-final victory over France, following a strong challenge from Lucas Digne inside the penalty area — a moment that led to the spot-kick converted by Mikel Oyarzabal to open the scoring. Although the young star managed to finish the match, the pain reportedly worsened later that evening once the team returned to their hotel in Dallas.

Spain’s medical team have been working continuously in Dallas to ensure the 19-year-old recovers in time. This concern comes just months after Yamal returned from a hamstring injury sustained in April. Despite his strapping and tailored training regime, team officials remain calm, carefully managing his workload ahead of the final.

According to reports from Diario AS, the decision to keep Yamal out of full training is primarily precautionary. The Barcelona forward has been a standout performer throughout Spain’s tournament run, scoring in the 4-0 group-stage victory over Saudi Arabia and featuring in every match. With the world’s attention now on the young winger as he prepares to face his idol Messi in a dream showdown, coach Luis de la Fuente is determined to have his most dynamic attacker fully fit. The medical team remains confident that the knock will not lead to a long-term issue.

Meanwhile, Pedro Porro is also dealing with a physical setback. The Tottenham full-back, who was named MVP of the semi-final after scoring Spain’s second goal against France, is following a modified training plan due to muscle fatigue. His immense workload during the knockout stages appears to have strained his hamstrings.

The issue has been described simply as muscle fatigue. Porro’s exertion in Dallas saw him substituted by Marcos Llorente late in the match. After appearing only once in the group stage against Saudi Arabia, Porro has played every knockout match since — scoring in the win over Austria and contributing in key victories against Portugal, Belgium, and France.

Despite these concerns, head coach Luis de la Fuente remains positive that both players will be fit in time for Sunday’s final. Speaking after the semi-final, De la Fuente expressed hope that both Yamal and Porro would recover, saying he expected no major setbacks.

Spain are aiming to capture their second World Cup title, adding to their historic 2010 success in South Africa. Yamal is also eyeing his second major international trophy, having helped La Roja win the Euro 2024 title. Argentina, on the other hand, are chasing their fourth world crown after triumphs in 1978, 1986, and 2022.