Watch: The moment Lionel Messi passed the football baton to Lamine Yamal after World Cup final
Lionel Messi and rising star Lamine Yamal shared a poignant moment following the 2026 World Cup final, which saw Argentina defeat Spain. The interaction symbolized a passing of the torch from the veteran legend to the young Barcelona talent.
Why it matters
This moment marks a significant cultural transition in global football as one of the sport's greatest icons concludes his international career while a new generation emerges.
This comes after the footballing baton was passed by the former to a player whom many consider to be Messi’s heir.
The finale of the 2026 World Cup was of course played to completion late yesterday evening. When all was said and done in a hard-fought affair between Spain and Argentina, it was the former who emerged deserved 1-0 victors.
Both of the aforementioned Messi and Lamine featured from the off in the New York showcase.
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