What is the story about?
Sixteen years after their first World Cup triumph, Spain earned their second star on the crest with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Billed as Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal, the final ended with one in tears of joy and another of sorrow.
They were seen together, nonetheless.
This year's FIFA World Cup came to an end with another unforgettable chapter in football, with Lionel Messi being at the centre of an emotional moment. After the final whistle a tearful Messi was consoled by Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after Argentina lost the final match.
The emotional post-match exchange between two generations of icons at the MetLife Stadium quickly went viral on social media.
Lamine Yamal comforts Lionel Messi
As referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle, Messi, 39, broke down in tears. For 120 minutes straight the Argentine captain poured his heart into the game; however, despite the team’s efforts, they failed to retain the title.
In a video now going viral, Lamine Yamal walked towards Messi, hugged him and shared quiet words of respect for the legend whose picture with a young Spaniard from a famous 2007 charity photoshoot went viral ahead of the game.
Take a look at the video:
With the 2026 World Cup win, Yamal has added another feather to his cap following Spain’s win at the 2024 Euro Cup. Messi, who had already won the 2022 World Cup for his country, managed to take his team to the final but lost. Messi has lost two of the World Cup finals he played in his career.
Spain’s triumph over Argentina
Despite Argentina’s heroic defence by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, the players failed to register a shot on target for almost the entire game. Things took a devastating turn when Enzo Fernandez, who had already been cautioned before, received a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on defender Pau Cubarsi.
Ultimately, Spain’s numerical advantage worked in their favour when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. Although, for Messi, the defeat marks the final chapter of a legendary World Cup career, Yamal's tribute to the legend served as a reminder that Messi's indelible imprint on the game will continue to endure through the new generation he has inspired.
They were seen together, nonetheless.
This year's FIFA World Cup came to an end with another unforgettable chapter in football, with Lionel Messi being at the centre of an emotional moment. After the final whistle a tearful Messi was consoled by Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal after Argentina lost the final match.
The emotional post-match exchange between two generations of icons at the MetLife Stadium quickly went viral on social media.
Lamine Yamal comforts Lionel Messi
As referee Slavko Vincic blew the final whistle, Messi, 39, broke down in tears. For 120 minutes straight the Argentine captain poured his heart into the game; however, despite the team’s efforts, they failed to retain the title.
In a video now going viral, Lamine Yamal walked towards Messi, hugged him and shared quiet words of respect for the legend whose picture with a young Spaniard from a famous 2007 charity photoshoot went viral ahead of the game.
Take a look at the video:
Lamine
Yamal comforting Lionel Messi after the final is easily the most wholesome moment you’ll see today. ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/efGNbaWc4A
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 19, 2026
With the 2026 World Cup win, Yamal has added another feather to his cap following Spain’s win at the 2024 Euro Cup. Messi, who had already won the 2022 World Cup for his country, managed to take his team to the final but lost. Messi has lost two of the World Cup finals he played in his career.
Spain’s triumph over Argentina
Despite Argentina’s heroic defence by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, the players failed to register a shot on target for almost the entire game. Things took a devastating turn when Enzo Fernandez, who had already been cautioned before, received a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on defender Pau Cubarsi.
Ultimately, Spain’s numerical advantage worked in their favour when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute. Although, for Messi, the defeat marks the final chapter of a legendary World Cup career, Yamal's tribute to the legend served as a reminder that Messi's indelible imprint on the game will continue to endure through the new generation he has inspired.
