Lamine Yamal reveals Lionel Messi’s message after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, calling the moment unforgettable

Spain winger Lamine Yamal has revealed the touching words Lionel Messi shared with him after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, describing the exchange as one of the most meaningful moments of his young career.

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Yamal and Messi embraced after the final whistle as Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to deliver La Roja their second men’s World Cup title.

The teenage forward said Messi’s message after the match carried special significance because of the admiration he has long held for the Argentina captain, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players.

“He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to,” Yamal said in an interview with Spanish publication Marca.

“After the match, I wanted to show him my respect. He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation.”

Yamal added that Messi’s words were as valuable as the winner’s medal he received after Spain’s historic triumph.

“Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck,” he said.

The moment carried extra symbolism as Yamal currently wears Barcelona’s famous number 10 shirt, a jersey previously worn by Messi during his remarkable career at the club.

At just 19, Yamal played a key role in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, while Messi, 39, was competing in what could be his final appearance at football’s biggest international tournament.

The exchange between the two players reflected a passing of the torch between generations, with Messi offering encouragement to a young star who has already become one of the most recognised talents in world football.

For Yamal, the conversation provided a memorable personal highlight after helping Spain achieve global glory.

Also read: Spain Celebrates World Cup Glory With Madrid Trophy Parade

For Messi, it was another display of sportsmanship after Argentina fell short in their attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.