TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal has revealed the advice he received from Lionel Messi after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying the Argentine legend's words meant as much to him as winning the trophy.
"He told me to keep going my way and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words mean as much to me as the gold medal around my neck," Yamal was quoted as saying by ESPN on Friday.
The 19-year-old was seen embracing the 39-year-old Messi on the pitch after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The two then shared a brief conversation.
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and enjoyed another outstanding tournament in North America. The veteran forward scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight matches as Argentina reached a second consecutive World Cup final.
Yamal also described Messi as "the best in history and someone I've always admired," underscoring his admiration for the Argentine icon despite Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.
The bond between Messi and Yamal dates back to their time at Barcelona, long before Yamal became a professional footballer.
In 2007, a 20-year-old Messi took part in a UNICEF charity photoshoot for Barcelona's annual calendar. During the session, Messi famously helped bathe Yamal, who was just five months old at the time. Photos from the event resurfaced years later, creating a symbolic link between two generations of Barcelona stars.
Before the final, Messi also praised the 19-year-old, calling him "a fantastic player" and a "world star." The Argentine captain said he had followed Yamal's development closely, a connection strengthened by their shared ties to Barcelona, where Messi spent most of his illustrious career.
Last season, Yamal inherited Barcelona's iconic No. 10 shirt, a number famously associated with Messi during his record-breaking spell at the club. The decision marked a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of Barcelona stars to another, as Yamal continued to establish himself as one of football's brightest young talents.
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