World Cup 2026: Spain's Lamine Yamal 'completes football' with victory over Argentina
Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, with 19-year-old Lamine Yamal securing his place as a football icon. The match was framed as a symbolic passing of the torch from Lionel Messi to Yamal, both of whom have ties to Barcelona.
Why it matters
This victory cements Lamine Yamal's status as a generational talent and marks a historic milestone in international football.
Figure caption, Dominant Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup after extra time
Chief football writer at New York New Jersey Stadium Published 20 July 2026, 02:28 BST 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.
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