From 2007 to 2026: Lionel Messi and “Lamine Yamal”—from a warm embrace to rivals in the 2026 World Cup final.
On 16 July 2026, the World Cup final will feature Spain, the “La Roja” led by Luis de la Fuente and reigning Euro 2024 champions, facing Argentina, the 2022 World Cup defending champions under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership.
What makes this event special is Spain’s chance to win the two biggest global tournaments consecutively, having claimed the Euro 2024 title and now contending for the 2026 World Cup crown.
If Spain wins, they will approach one of football’s historic achievements as the only nation to have won three major titles in a row: Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012.
Meanwhile, Argentina aims to make history as the first team in 64 years to defend the World Cup title since Brazil did so in 1962.
Another special aspect is the encounter between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, whose story dates back to a 2007 photo showing 20-year-old Messi holding and bathing the six-month-old Yamal.
This moment took place during a charity event organized by Diario Sport in collaboration with UNICEF’s foundation to raise funds for disadvantaged children. The family chosen that day was that of young Lamine Yamal.
Nearly 20 years later, from 2007 to 2026, that simple photograph has gained immense significance, becoming one of the most remarkable images in global football history.
Lionel Messi grew from La Masia to become the greatest player in the history of Barcelona and one of Argentina’s and the world’s best players. Similarly, Lamine Yamal is on a parallel path and is hailed as a future player who could reach Messi’s level.
No matter the outcome of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, one player will triumph and the other face disappointment. Regardless of the result, the story from the 2007 photo to their battle on the biggest stage will surely be recorded in football history.