Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could be seen embracing after the 2026 World Cup final, in a moment that represented a passing of the torch.
The greatest footballer of all time was unable to drag his Argentina team across the line again, just as he had in the 2022 final. Meanwhile, Yamal, 19, was part of Spain's dominant side that steamrolled every opponent they encountered.
He's largely viewed as the heir to Messi's throne, especially as a Barcelona superstar at such a young age. Messi's brilliance at 39 years old, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, wasn't enough to seal back-to-back World Cup titles.
Following the full-time whistle, Yamal headed straight over to the Argentina icon, who sat heartbroken on the turf at MetLife Stadium.
What Lionel Messi Said to Lamine Yamal After World Cup Final
Lamine Yamal and Lionel MessiREUTERS/Carlos Barria
Much of the attention was drawn to the post-match meltdown, which saw Nicolas Otamendi furiously confront Rodri, Leandro Paredes throw Gavi to the floor and an Argentine coach punch Dani Olmo.
However, cameras naturally drifted towards Messi, who more than likely bowed out of international football with a loss on the biggest stage. He looked like a broken man as he sat on the ground, avoiding all the post-match drama.
Lamine Yamal (Spain) is congratulated by the US President Donald Trump Related
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Yamal immediately made his way over to Messi, who he helped up off the ground before hugging. The pair shared words, which the Spanish forward has now revealed.
Per the Metro, Yamal said: "He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect.
"He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck.
"If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be here lifting the World Cup after playing against Lionel Messi, I would have thought they were crazy."
Getting Messi's seal of approval and recognition would have been music to Yamal's ears. The teenage sensation has now won the European Championship and World Cup with Spain.
Messi's Statement on 'Immense Pain' After Final Defeat
Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after losing the World Cup finalLionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Almost 24 hours after the disappointing defeat, Messi took to social media to express how hurt he felt after failing to add a fourth star to Argentina's badge. "The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things," his statement read.
He added: "The matches we turned around by giving it our all - moments that will remain in our memories forever - and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group's hard work and effort, brought us back among the world's elite once again.
"It is hard to fully appreciate our achievement right now, but this group reached two consecutive World Cup finals.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we managed to unite as a country and stand together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on winning the championship."
Statistics are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 21-07-26.