World Cup final: Messi moved by reunion with Yamal, whom he met as a baby

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, spoke with profound emotion about the upcoming 2026 World Cup final against Spain, particularly his impending matchup with young Spanish star Lamine Yamal. Messi recalled a charity photoshoot in 2007, when he was 20 and Yamal was just five months old. Messi, then with FC Barcelona, posed for a calendar with the infant Yamal, a moment that has gained significant attention now that they are set to face each other on the World Cup stage.

"Honestly, that photo is unbelievable. I took it when Yamal was a baby, and now we're going to face each other in the World Cup. I always wish Yamal the best of luck," Messi said during a pre-final press event. This encounter marks the first time the two players will compete on the field, adding a layer of narrative to a final that is already highly anticipated, especially as it is likely Messi's last World Cup and Yamal's first.

The final features defending champions Argentina, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, aiming for their fourth World Cup title and second in a row. They face Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, ranked No. 2, who are making their first final appearance since winning in 2010. Argentina boasts the tournament's top offense, while Spain has the strongest defense, having conceded the fewest goals.

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Honestly, that photo is unbelievable. I took it when Yamal was a baby, and now we're going to face each other in the World Cup. I always wish Yamal the best of luck.

Statistically, the teams are closely matched. Their only previous World Cup encounter was in the 1966 group stage, which Argentina won 2-1. In friendly matches, Spain holds a slight edge with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses. Football analysts describe the final as a contest between "the mentality led by Messi and the most refined organization," with Argentina often relying on Messi's ability to deliver late in games, as evidenced by their 10 goals scored after the 80th minute. Spain, conversely, is praised for its seamless team coordination and efficient positional play, which has resulted in only one goal conceded across seven matches.

The Golden Boot race also adds intrigue, with Kylian Mbappé of France currently leading. Messi needs two goals and an assist to potentially claim the award, but factors like minutes played could complicate the outcome. Despite the statistical projections favoring Spain slightly, both Messi and Spanish captain Rodri expressed confidence in their teams' abilities to perform on the biggest stage.

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In the tournament, trust in yourself and the team is always key. We are ready to give everything in the final.