After the final whistle at MetLife Stadium on the evening of 19/7, Spain's players erupted in celebration of their second World Cup title. Across the field, Messi sat silently, looking distraught as his opponents celebrated their victory after extra time.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi (right) hugs Spain forward Lamine Yamal (left) after Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, My on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP

Amidst the contrasting emotions, Yamal left his teammates to approach Messi. The 39-year-old superstar stood up as Yamal came near. The 19-year-old embraced the veteran, then patted his back in a gesture of comfort before they exchanged a few brief words. Afterward, Yamal rejoined his team's celebration, while Messi remained silent as fans chanted his name.

The video quickly went viral on social media, attracting millions of views. Fox Sports commented, "Greatness comes full circle", while many fans called it "the most beautiful moment after the final."

The television channel quoted a fan: "Imagine being consoled by the very kid who was inspired by you. That's the circle of greatness."

Another fan remarked, "A legend and a future legend sharing a moment of respect."

Many international newspapers also viewed this as an unofficial "passing of the torch" in world football. Before the final, the clash between Messi and Yamal drew attention as a generational encounter. One is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, the 2022 World Cup champion, and considered by many as the greatest player in history. The other, only 19, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in global football.

Yamal began his international career by winning Euro 2024, before adding the 2026 World Cup to his trophy collection. The final also marked his first professional match against Messi. Prior to the game, a photo of Messi bathing Yamal 19 years ago also garnered global attention.

Days before the match, Messi himself praised his younger counterpart. The Argentina captain called Yamal "a wonderful player", stating he had always followed his development because both came through the La Masia academy. Messi noted that Yamal has an entire career ahead of him and the opportunity to make history. While the Argentina superstar needed to reach age 35 to complete his collection of continental and world titles, Yamal achieved this while still a teenager.

Messi challenges Lamine Yamal during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, My, on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP

At MetLife Stadium, Spain controlled the game for most of the time but had to wait until the 106th minute to score the decisive goal. Substitute forward Ferran Torres successfully netted a rebound from a pass by another substitute, Nico Williams, securing a one-zero victory for Luis de la Fuente's squad.

Argentina faced significant challenges in attack. They did not register a single shot on goal during the first 115 minutes and played a man down late in the second half of extra time when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card. After the final whistle, Argentina's midfielder Leandro Paredes also received a direct red card for grabbing defender Eric Garcia's neck and pushing midfielder Gavi to the ground.

The defeat brought Messi to tears after the match, hearing the chants of the fans. The 39-year-old forward became the second player in history to participate in three World Cup finals, and the first player over age 39 to start in a championship match. This could also be his final World Cup in international football, though nothing is confirmed.

With this championship, Spain also claimed their first World Cup title since 2010. Yamal missed out on the Best Young Player award to teammate Pau Cubarsi, while the World Cup Golden Ball went to Rodri. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old forward still has many opportunities to conquer other individual and team titles in the future.

Xuan Binh