After Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph, Lamine Yamal finally had the unforgettable moment of meeting Lionel Messi on the pitch.
The Barcelona youngster embraced the Argentine legend and revealed exactly what he told him.
“I said thank you for everything you gave football.” ❤️
Yamal explained that it wasn’t something he did for the cameras or to create a special photograph. It was simply a genuine moment of appreciation.
“I don’t do things to look nice for the photo; that came from inside.”
And when asked about Messi himself, Yamal made his feelings clear: he has always considered Messi the best.
The moment carries even more meaning because Messi once held baby Lamine during a Barcelona charity photoshoot when Yamal was only a few months old. Nearly two decades later, the two found themselves together again — this time after Yamal had just helped Spain become world champions. 🏆🇪🇸
Yamal has repeatedly insisted that he doesn’t want to become Messi or copy his career. He wants to follow his own path and become his own player.
But that World Cup embrace will undoubtedly remain one of the most symbolic images of his young career.
From Messi holding baby Lamine… to Lamine thanking Messi after becoming a World Cup champion. 🥹❤️⚽
Football really does write unbelievable stories. 🔵🔴👑
