Lamine Yamal reveals what Lionel Messi said to him immediately after World Cup final

Lionel Messi had a heartfelt message for Lamine Yamal moments after the World Cup final.

The pair embraced on the pitch at the MetLife Stadium following Spain’s win over Argentina on Sunday.

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Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner proved the difference as his side won the World Cup for the second time.

In doing so, Yamal added the title to his European Championship triumph from two years ago despite still being aged just 19.

The teenager ended the tournament with one goal and one assist in eight matches.

Although he missed out on the Young Player of the Tournament award to team-mate Pau Cubarsi, Yamal did receive a message from Messi.

The Barcelona winger has revealed what the Argentina captain told him on the pitch at full-time.

Messi had been slumped on the turf before standing up to hug Yamal as he approached him.

Messi’s message

Speaking to Marca, Yamal explained: “He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. 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.

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

Comparisons have constantly been drawn between the pair through their Barcelona connections.

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Both players have worn the No.19 and No.10 jerseys for the Spanish giants.

Yamal, who followed Messi in graduating from Barca’s La Masia academy, finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Meanwhile, a viral image from a 2007 UNICEF photoshoot showed Messi bathing an infant Yamal.

As a result, the 39-year-old became one of Yamal’s footballing idols during his youth.

However, it was the youngster who came out on top in their first-ever competitive meeting in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Messi also missed out on the Golden Boot as well as failing to win a second successive World Cup.

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He was beaten to the award by Kylian Mbappe, as he previously was in 2022, despite scoring eight goals and adding four assists in eight matches.

Mbappe ended the tournament with 10 goals for France following a brace in their bronze final defeat to England on Saturday.