The Spain winger netted against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup, moving ahead of Lionel Messi in the all-time youngest scorers list

Spain winger Lamine Yamal delivered a landmark moment on Sunday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring against Saudi Arabia to become one of the youngest goalscorers in the tournament’s history and moving ahead of Lionel Messi in the record books.

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The 18-year-old forward found the net in Spain’s 4-0 Group H victory, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Mikel Oyarzabal, who also scored twice in a dominant performance that underlined Spain’s attacking depth and control throughout the match.

Yamal’s strike marked a historic milestone at the tournament, reinforcing his rapid rise on the global stage and placing him among an elite group of teenage scorers at football’s biggest event.

In doing so, Lamine Yamal edged ahead of Lionel Messi in the ranking of youngest World Cup goalscorers, with Messi having scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days. Yamal, aged 18 years and 343 days, now sits eighth on the all-time list.

The achievement also places Yamal in rare company. Only one younger player has ever scored the opening goal of a World Cup match, with Brazil legend Pelé famously doing so at 17 years old against Wales in 1958.

Spain’s comprehensive win over Saudi Arabia further strengthened their position in Group H, with the team showcasing fluid attacking play and defensive discipline as they continue their push for a deep tournament run.

Following the match, attention quickly turned to Yamal’s record-breaking moment, which has already sparked widespread discussion among football analysts and supporters comparing generations of talent.

The teenager’s rise has been closely watched since his emergence at club level, with many viewing him as one of the brightest prospects in world football.

His World Cup breakthrough adds further weight to expectations surrounding his long-term development.

Below is the updated top 10 youngest World Cup goalscorers in history, reflecting Yamal’s new position ahead of Lionel Messi.

Pele – 17 years, 239 days
Manuel Rosas – 18 years, 93 days
Gavi – 18 years, 110 days
Ibrahim Mbaye – 18 years, 142 days
Michael Owen – 18 years, 190 days
Nicolae Kovacs – 18 years, 197 days
Dmitri Sychev – 18 years, 231 days
Lamine Yamal – 18 years, 343 days
Lionel Messi – 18 years, 357 days
Julian Green – 19 years, 25 days

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The moment further cements Yamal’s growing reputation on the world stage, as Spain continue to rely on his creativity and composure in high-pressure matches.