In the US, in such situations, they say "game recognizes game", an expression that essentially represents the mutual respect between champions. This is exactly what we saw last night between Thuram and Yamal after two crazy challenges in the Champions League semi-finals between Inter and Barcelona. The Frenchman approached to console the Spaniard, who was in despair after the incredible elimination.
The Inter striker's message seemed like one of those classics: "Keep your head up, my boy, the future is yours." A thought that has surely crossed the minds of many football fans over the past six days, amazed by the level shown by the extraordinary 17-year-old. Barcelona's campaign this year stops one step away from the final, but the feeling is that with Yamal, Cubarsí, Pedri and all the young talent at their disposal, the Catalans' cycle has only just begun.
After the beautiful gesture on the pitch, Thuram was "tainted" by one of the most classic harassments on social networks: the Frenchman published a "story" (then deleted immediately) on his Instagram account, where he appeared hugging Yamal in the center of the pitch. What caused the controversy was the message chosen by the Inter player: "On a mission ehh!!", accompanied by three laughing emoticons. A reference to Yamal's words after the first match, where he had said that he and his teammates were "on a mission" to reach the final.

In Spain, this provocation did not go unnoticed: many people, from fans to national media, reposted and condemned the Frenchman's gesture. Marc Crosas, former Barcelona player and now commentator, was particularly harsh: "They are celebrating Barcelona's elimination by mocking Lamine Yamal for his statements. A 17-year-old who has just made one of the best individual performances in a Champions League semi-final. What Lamine did was unforgettable... and this mockery. They know very well what awaits them..."