Lamine Yamal urges unity ahead of Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France

DALLAS: Spain forward Lamine Yamal has called for football to unite people rather than divide them as his side prepare to face France in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final in Dallas.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of what he described as "the most important match of my life", the 19-year-old dismissed controversy surrounding comments by former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy about France's national team.

"Tomorrow we'll play a brilliant match but if football serves any purpose it's to bring people together," Yamal said.

"France and Spain are examples of integration. That's what football is all about: integration. Not talking about what someone else has said."

Born to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal offered a composed response while balancing questions about football, fame and his birthday celebrations.

The Barcelona winger also laughed when asked about his three-year-old brother, Keyne, whose playful appearances in television broadcasts have made him a fan favourite during the tournament.

"My brother doesn't realise," Yamal said. "He does what he does at home, and when the camera focuses on him, he gets up to mischief.

"I like it when people like him. It's fun to see him on screen."

Yamal arrived at the press conference wearing a diamond necklace, a birthday gift to himself, but insisted his focus remains firmly on helping Spain reach the final.

"I'm not worried about having scored just one goal in the World Cup so far. We're winning," he said. "I hope to keep playing matches so I can score."