Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has revealed what he said to Lionel Messi after their embrace at the end of the 2026 World Cup final. Yamal thanked Messi for everything he gave to football, stating the words came from within, not for a photo. Spain defeated Argentina in extra time with a goal from Ferran Torres, marking the end of Messi’s international career and the beginning of Yamal’s as a 19-year-old world champion.

The iconic image of Yamal holding the trophy while Messi gazed at it symbolized a changing of the guard. Yamal also reflected on a viral baby photo of Messi bathing him, released by his father two years ago after Yamal initially asked him to take it down. He said comparisons to Messi were too easy and that he wanted to be recognized as Lamine, not as a successor.

Yamal added he has experienced racism 'a thousand times' and rejects focusing on goal stats for the Ballon d'Or, valuing players who inspire dreams instead. Barcelona’s start to the season is noted as the best in Europe’s top five leagues in nearly 100 years.