Lamine Yamal's long-held wish to face Lionel Messi in a World Cup final has become a reality. Argentina will play Spain in the championship match on 19/7 (2 am on 20/7 Hanoi time), setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the two football stars. This follows Argentina's 2-1 semi-final victory over England on 15/7, a day after Spain defeated France 2-0.
The prospect of this encounter has brought renewed attention to a viral photo of Lionel Messi bathing a 5-month-old Lamine Yamal. When shown the old photograph by a reporter before Spain's semi-final, Yamal expressed his desire for the match. "Could this photo become a World Cup final?" the reporter asked. "Yes, I've grown a bit, and I think Leo has also matured," the 19-year-old Spanish player replied. "I hope that happens. I really want to compete against Messi in the final because I missed the opportunity in the Finalissima."
The Intercontinental Supercup, known as the Finalissima, between Spain and Argentina was canceled in March due to organizational issues. This decision disappointed football fans, who missed out on seeing a high-profile match between Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, and Argentina, the Copa America 2024 champions.
A victory in the upcoming final would mark a significant achievement for Argentina. The South American team would become the first to successfully defend the World Cup title since Brazil did so in 1958 and 1962.
The iconic photo of Messi bathing Yamal dates back to 2007, taken during an annual FC Barcelona charity event. Families with young children entered a lottery for the opportunity to be photographed with the club's players at Camp Nou stadium. The Yamal family, from the Rocafonda neighborhood in Mataro, was among the lucky lottery winners. In 2007, Messi was a promising talent, not yet the global superstar he would become, unlike established names such as Ronaldinho, Deco, or Samuel Eto'o.
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Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after the 2026 World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta, US, on 15/7. Photo: AFP |
Yamal is widely considered Messi's successor at Barcelona. The forward emerged from the renowned La Masia academy, plays the same wing-forward position, and is frequently compared to the Argentine legend due to his exceptional dribbling skills. "After Lionel Messi, he is our best player," midfielder Gavi once remarked.
For Messi, this final presents an opportunity to equal former Brazil captain Cafu's record of three World Cup final appearances. The 39-year-old also has the chance to become the first player to win the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and provide the most assists at a World Cup.
Hong Hanh (According to DAZN, El Pais)
