Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi share heartfelt moment after Spain's World Cup win
Spain's Lamine Yamal and Argentina's Lionel Messi shared a heartfelt moment following Spain's 1-0 victory in the 2026 World Cup final. The interaction gained attention due to a viral photo of a young Messi holding a baby Yamal years prior.
Why it matters
The moment highlights a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of soccer icons on the world's biggest stage.
World Cup 2026 Soccer Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi share heartfelt moment after Spain’s World Cup win By Bridget Reilly Published July 19, 2026, 7:44 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google Of course it all came full circle.
Following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time World Cup final win over Argentina on Sunday, Lamine Yamal did the most veteran, mature move.
Soon after the final whistle, Lionel Messi sat on the MetLife Stadium pitch to take in the loss that ended Argentina’s chance to repeat as champions.
Spotting the legend, Yamal walked over to Messi, who stood up to share a moment with the 19-year-old phenom.
The two shared an emotional hug and privately shared words.
Greatness comes full circle. Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi share a moment after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. pic.twitter.com/J3wd96fewb
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