“I thanked him for all he’s given football,” Yamal said. “I’m not posing for the camera; that feeling came from within,”
The hug quickly became a symbol of the torch passing in both Argentine and Spanish circles, especially since both stars rose through Barcelona’s academy, and Yamal’s words confirm the moment was truly heartfelt.
It arrived just after Yamal set a record as the youngest ever to claim a Euro title and a World Cup, a feat none of Messi, Diego Maradona or Cristiano Ronaldo have matched at that age.
Lamine Yamal embraces Lionel Messi following the 2026 World Cup final. (Getty Images)
With Spain now world champions and Yamal shining as a future icon, this picture will likely define this World Cup era for fans worldwide.
For my money, Yamal’s humility eclipses any Golden Ball debate surrounding Rodri.
The scene also highlighted how deeply Yamal’s bond with Messi has guided his rise, long before they ever shared the pitch at senior level.
Yamal reflects on the baby picture with Messi. Will his own legacy soon outshine the legend?
Yamal revealed the backstory of a decades‑old photo showing Messi bathing him as an infant, a family snap his dad wanted to post years ago but Yamal asked to hold back.
“Because I asked him not to,” Yamal explained, noting he didn’t want easy comparisons to shape his early image.
“I wanted to be Lamine; I didn’t want to be Messi. I just aimed for my own path. I told him to wait. When I’m Lamine, I’ll do what I please,” he added, stressing his patience shaped his career choices.