Lamine Yamal Reveals Post-Match Exchange With Lionel Messi Following World Cup Final

Spain secured the 2026 World Cup title with an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres to defeat Argentina.

Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final behind a decisive goal from Ferran Torres in extra time. The victory saw 19-year-old Lamine Yamal become a world champion as 39-year-old Lionel Messi made his final appearance on the World Cup stage. Following the final whistle, the Barcelona winger embraced the Argentine captain, who has since retired from international football.

In an interview with The Guardian, Yamal revealed he told Messi, "thank you for everything you gave football," during their post-match hug. The forward stated the gesture was a sincere moment rather than an attempt to create a manufactured image for cameras. The match served as a symbolic transition, featuring images of Yamal holding the trophy for the first time while Messi viewed it for the last time.

Yamal also addressed a viral photograph of Messi bathing him as an infant, noting he previously asked his father to keep the image private. His father eventually shared the photo on Facebook two years ago against Yamal's initial wishes. The winger explained he delayed the release of the picture to avoid constant comparisons to Messi, expressing a desire to establish his own identity as a player before the connection became public knowledge.