Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other for the first time on the football field as Argentina and Spain prepare to meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New Jersey on July 19 (local time). The two players share a unique connection that dates back more than 18 years.
UNICEF posted a photograph on X showing the first encounter between Messi and Yamal, which occurred during a fundraising photoshoot when Yamal was an infant. At the time, Yamal was accompanied by his mother, Sheila. Both footballers are currently UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their prominence to support children and advocate for their rights and well-being.
The final will represent a rare meeting between past and future football generations, embodied by Messi and Yamal.
Spain qualified for the World Cup final for the first time since their 2010 victory after defeating France 2–0. Lamine Yamal was integral to the result, winning a penalty after dispossessing Lucas Digne, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted in the 22nd minute. Pedro Porro added a second goal following a move with Dani Olmo. France struggled to produce clear chances, despite attempts from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni. Yamal had a goal disallowed for offside, while Spain’s defense maintained six clean sheets in seven tournament matches.
The win secured Spain’s second appearance in a World Cup final, setting up their match against Argentina.
Argentina reached the final by overcoming England 2–1 in Atlanta. Enzo Fernandez scored the equalizer after an early England lead, and Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner. Messi, although not scoring, was crucial to the comeback with assists for both goals, highlighting his influential role as captain.
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