SportFootballLionel MessiLionel Messi came up short in the World Cup final but Spain star Lamine Yamal took time out after the final whistle to embrace the Argentina icon09:18, 20 Jul 2026Updated 09:18, 20 Jul 2026Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi came together for a moment after the World Cup final - which may well mark the end of the Argentine's career with his country.‌Spain were deserving winners having outclassed the South Americans, who were seeking to defend their title. The European champions dominated throughout and finally secured the winning goal through Ferran Torres in extra-time.‌It means Yamal, who is still just 19, has now won the Euros and the World Cup as his status as one of the game's superstars continues to grow. He took time out of the Spanish celebrations to go and find Messi after full-time.‌The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was sitting on his own on the pitch and as Yamal wandered over the Argentine stood up. They hugged and exchanged some words with both men graduating from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.Yamal has previously declared Messi as the greatest player of all-time.It came after a final that ended on a sour note, with Leandro Paredes sent-off. He was the second Argentine to see red with Enzo Fernandez also dismissed as the losing side engaged in physical confrontations after the final whistle.‌By his own high standards Yamal's impact on the World Cup was limited, especially when compared to the influence he had at the Euros two years ago. The teenager himself said earlier in the tournament that few would remember his individual efforts if Spain did land the trophy.Spain boss Luis de la Fuente spoke afterwards of his "sincere gratitude" for Yamal and his evolution. "He has played great football that will help him to mature and be even a greater footballer than he already is," he said. "He really sacrificed for the collective good. This is very important in my squad. In my opinion he played a great World Cup."‌Yamal has now scooped both the major international honours available to him as well as several La Liga titles. The only major trophy missing from his cabinet in the Champions League.Messi meanwhile may well close the chapter on his time with Argentina. Despite being 39 he remains their central figure but came up short in a second World Cup final as he spoke out after full-time.“I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that’s the truth," he said. “But I’ll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it’s worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here.”Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Lionel MessiWorld Cup 2026Lamine Yamal