‘Keep going your way’ – Lionel Messi’s inspiring message to Lamine Yamal after Spain’s World Cup triumph

Lamine Yamal has revealed the touching message Lionel Messi whispered to him after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with the Barcelona youngster admitting the words carried the same weight as the trophy he had just won.

Spain secured their first World Cup title since 2010 after Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike sealed a dramatic victory over the defending champions at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The final remained tightly contested before Torres struck in the 106th minute, breaking Argentina’s resistance and ending their hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles.

For Yamal, the triumph marked another historic milestone in an already remarkable career. Just days after celebrating his 19th birthday, the winger became the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.

Messi’s message to Spain’s teenage sensation

After the final whistle, Messi approached Yamal to congratulate him, and the Spanish star has now disclosed the advice he received from the Argentine icon.

“He told me to keep going my way and that the future belongs to our generation. Those words mean as much to me as the gold medal around my neck.

“He’s someone I’ve always admired. At the end of the match, I showed him my respect.”

The moment carried added significance given Messi’s status as one of football’s greatest-ever players and Yamal’s emergence as the player many believe could lead the next generation of global stars.

Messi enjoyed another outstanding World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals before Argentina’s final defeat, but the 39-year-old’s message suggested he sees Yamal and his peers as the future custodians of the game.

From childhood photo to World Cup rivalry

The relationship between Messi and Yamal has a unique connection that stretches back nearly two decades.

A viral image from a 2007 UNICEF charity calendar recently resurfaced, showing a young Messi — then a rising Barcelona star — bathing a five-month-old Yamal during a photoshoot.

Years later, the pair met on football’s biggest stage, with Messi competing for Argentina and Yamal leading Spain’s charge to glory.

Before the final, Messi had already praised the teenager’s ability and potential, describing him as a player destined for greatness.

“He’s a tremendous player … a global star,” Messi said of Yamal. “He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him.”

With Messi approaching the twilight of his legendary career, Yamal’s World Cup success has strengthened comparisons between the two generations of talent.

The teenager now faces the challenge of building his own legacy, but with advice from Messi and a World Cup medal already secured, his journey has begun on a historic note.