Lionel Messi hugs Lamine Yamal, passes the torch after Spain's World Cup win

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal shared a warm embrace after the final whistle of the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, bringing a fitting end to a match that symbolised the passing of the torch between two generations of football stars.Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 97th minute after pouncing on a rebound. The European champions lifted their second World Cup title after a tense, hard-fought contest.Argentina's task became even tougher after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time of normal time. Lionel Scaloni's side struggled to create chances, failing to register a single shot on or off target until the 115th minute.Spain vs Argentina, World Cup Final: Highlights After the final whistle, Messi and Yamal embraced on the pitch before sharing a brief conversation, a moment that quickly resonated with fans given their famous connection dating back to the iconic 2007 UNICEF photoshoot. At 39, Messi became just the second player to appear in three World Cup finals, while Yamal celebrated lifting the trophy at just 19 years of age.SEE THE PHOTOS BELOW Both Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal have come through Barcelona's La Masia academy.. (Image: Reuters) Lionel Messi was dejected as Argentina lost the World Cup 2026 final. (Image: Reuters) Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal hug after the World Cup final. (Image: Reuters) - EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Jul 20, 2026 03:57 IST