What Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal have said about each other ahead of World Cup final
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to face each other in the World Cup final, marking a clash between a legendary veteran and a rising star. Both players have expressed mutual respect for one another ahead of the match.
Why it matters
The match represents a significant narrative arc in football history, pitting the established 'greatest of all time' against a potential successor.
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's win against England to reach the World Cup final, Lamine Yamal in action for Spain against France Credit: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images Callum Boyle Wed, July 15, 2026 at 11:25 PM UTC · 2 min read Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will meet in a master vs apprentice scenario in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Messi has been regarded as the greatest player of all time but is coming towards the end of his career at 39 whereas Yamal, who recently turned 19, is being tipped to become the next global superstar.
As the two prepare to do battle and carry their nation on their shoulders in the World Cup final, there is a mutual respect from one Barcelona academy graduate to another.
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