The final match at MetLife Stadium on 19/7 concluded with a 1-0 victory, securing Spain's second World Cup title. As the Spanish team celebrated, Yamal separated to approach Lionel Messi, who sat on the field after Argentina's defeat.
Seeing Yamal approach, Messi stood up. The two players embraced, with Yamal patting the Argentine captain's back before they exchanged a few words. Yamal stated that in that brief moment, Messi told him: "follow your own path and the future belongs to your generation".
"Those words are as precious as the gold medal I am wearing around my neck", Yamal said.
 |
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (right) embraces Spain forward Lamine Yamal (left) after Argentina's 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7. Photo: AP |
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (right) embraces Spain forward Lamine Yamal (left) after Argentina's 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7. Photo: AP
The video of their embrace garnered millions of views on social media. Fox Sports commented: "Greatness comes full circle". Many fans called it "the most beautiful moment after the final". Several international newspapers viewed this as a symbolic passing of the torch in world football. Messi is an 8-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion. Yamal, at 19, is emerging as a bright talent.
Yamal's post-match statements were published by Infobae, Ole, and ESPN. These newspapers lauded the young player's respect for Messi at a moment when Argentina missed the chance to defend their title.
Days before the match, Messi called Yamal "a great player", adding he had been following the forward's development since both came through the La Masia academy. Messi noted Yamal has an entire career ahead to make history. While the Argentine captain needed until age 35 to complete his trophy collection, Yamal already has the Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup titles at 19.
This moment also reminded fans of an old photo of Messi holding Yamal as a baby during a charity event for Barcelona club.
The 19-year-old star shared that he never thought he would one day compete against Messi in a World Cup final. "If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be standing here lifting the trophy after playing against Messi, I would have thought they were crazy", he said.
By Nhat Minh (According to Marca, Metro)
