Messi and Lamine Yamal: Between Present and Past

Al Arabiya.net

Published: July 20, 2026: 12:00 AM GST Last updated: July 20, 2026: 12:07 AM GST

Reading mode

100% font size

Listen to the article Audio text automatically generated by an automated system

0:00

1 minute read

Lionel Messi, the Argentine legend, toyed with young Spanish star Lamine Yamal during the first half of the 2026 World Cup final match, the first time the two faced each other.

Lionel Messi received the ball in the middle of Spain's half, toyed with Lamine Yamal, and put the ball between his legs — a "nutmeg" — in a distinctive skillful move during the first half of the 2026 World Cup final.

A photo of Lionel Messi "bathing" Lamine Yamal when the latter was a baby at a charity event in December 2007 became famous.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also

Messi breaks a 68-year-old record in the World Cup final Lionel Messi became the oldest player in history to play in a World Cup final, facing Spain in ... Sports

Fight between journalists at the World Cup final in front of the FBI Reporters covering the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina clashed in ... Sports

21% increase from Qatar World Cup.. How much is the prize for the World Cup champion between Spain and Argentina? The team winning the World Cup title between Spain and Argentina will receive on ... Sports

Advertisement