Spain coach: A mistake to compare Yamal to Messi

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said it would be "a mistake" to compare Lamine Yamal to legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, while refusing to confirm if the Barcelona star would make his first start in a World Cup on Sunday.

Spain play Saudi Arabia in Atlanta in their second game in Group H, after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup debut, with Yamal only fit for a late cameo off the bench.

De la Fuente has faced a barrage of questions this week about Yamal's progress, but denied that the relentless spotlight on the Barcelona winger was a negative for the team.

"It…