The 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain treated us to one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes in modern football: the head-to-head between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Having both come through FC Barcelona’s La Masía academy, the two stars met for the first time on the pitch in New Jersey, where the Spanish national team claimed the World Cup title.

On 26 October, in London, Lamine Yamal and Messi could come face to face once again at the 2026 ‘Ballon d'Or’ ceremony, as both have been nominated for the top award.

And in the run-up to this new reunion, the young FC Barcelona forward broke his silence and revealed details of the private conversation he had face-to-face with the Argentine in the final.

What did they say to each other at that moment, which was caught on camera and caused a stir around the world?

Lamine Yamal himself was the one to clear up the confusion.

A heartfelt embrace after the World Cup final

Far from seeking a calculated gesture for the cameras, the forward explained that his approach to the Argentine captain was a genuine impulse.

“I said to him: ‘Thank you for everything you’ve given to football.’ I don’t do things to look good in a photo; that just came from the heart,” Lamine Yamal told The Guardian.

The Spanish winger emphasised that his sole intention was to convey his admiration to the player he had looked up to since childhood, without thinking about the media reaction:

“It came from the heart; I saw him there and went over to thank him. I always try to go a bit beyond what’s considered ‘nice’ in football. Then, in the end, the photo of him splashing me with water and the hug did turn out really lovely,” he added.

Admiration and respect for the Argentine

Lamine Yamal also used the interview to praise the most successful player in the history of the ‘Ballon d'Or’, making his stance clear on who his greatest role model in the sport is.

“I’ve always thought he was the best. When things didn’t seem to be going so well, he was undoubtedly the best,” argued the young FC Barcelona forward.

In the same vein, the Barça academy graduate analysed the decisive impact the Rosario-born player had on the major international tournament:

“Although everyone knows he’s the best of all time, nobody expected such a legendary World Cup as the one he’s had, in every match, leading a national team to the final.”

Having crossed paths at the World Cup, the next meeting between the two stars could take place very soon on the red carpet at the 2026 ‘Ballon d'Or’ gala.

Will they meet again in London?

We’ll find out very soon…