Lamine Yamal completes football at 19 as Argentina betray Messi
Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, marking a symbolic passing of the torch from Lionel Messi to 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. Yamal, who has yet to lose a competitive match for his country, became the youngest player to win both the World Cup and the Euros.
Why it matters
The match represents a historic generational shift in global football, cementing Spain's current international dominance while signaling the potential end of Lionel Messi's storied career.
Figure caption, Dominant Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup after extra time
Chief football writer at New York New Jersey Stadium Published 32 minutes ago When brilliant Spain teenager Lamine Yamal embraced a tearful Lionel Messi at the end of the World Cup final, it looked and felt symbolic. A passing of the torch.
Messi, at 39, gazed long and hard at Argentina's fans packed around the New York New Jersey Stadium as they sang his name after what may be the last time he graces the game's biggest stage.
And, with the world watching, it was Lamine Yamal who offered the great Argentina icon consolation before they fell into each other's arms.
Barcelona's number 10 embracing their most legendary number 10.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in