Messi to face Yamal in World Cup final on Sunday

July 18, 2026

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Lamine Yamal in Sunday’s World Cup final. The Argentina captain reflected on an iconic 2007 photograph showing him holding the Spain forward as a baby during a Barcelona charity event.

Messi spoke at a World Cup event in New York alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri. He praised the 19-year-old Yamal as “one of the best players in the world right now” while stating that Argentina will try to prevent him from performing at his best.

Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford with kick-off at 8pm BST. Spain have conceded just one goal in the tournament and eliminated France 2-0 in the semi-final. Argentina have won all seven matches en route to the final and are seeking a second consecutive title.

What people are saying

Fans express excitement over the generational clash between Messi and Yamal in the 2026 World Cup final, often referencing their iconic 19-year-old photoshoot. Barcelona supporters highlight the dream scenario for the club. Some view it as a symbolic passing of the torch, with mixed speculation on the winner.

🚨Reporter-"Congrats Lamine! You might still face Messi in the final"

🗣️Yamal-"Well I wasn't even born when he played his first WC game, so to share a pitch with him will be a dream.He was the reason i became a footballer & it's crazy how he's still the best player in the world" pic.twitter.com/9HOmVrSuBU

— P/R Football (@brfutboll) July 10, 2026

Definitely looking like a Spain vs Argentina final.

Messi is going to handover the crown to Lamine Yamal, whom he baptized 🫨 pic.twitter.com/0U59VSU7uO

— Alabi (@the_Lawrenz) July 10, 2026

ARGENTINOS OS QUIERO EN LA PUTA FINAL, NO OS ARRUGUÉIS.

ESTE MUNDIAL NO PUEDE ACABAR DE OTRA MANERA QUE NO SEA CON UN MESSI VS LAMINE YAMAL.

HÁGASE. pic.twitter.com/qmrZQFlum9

— Rеvеn (@RevenRV) July 7, 2026

19 years ago Messi took this symbolic picture with baby Yamal.
Messi wore jersey #19 in 2007.
Now 19yo Yamal wears #19.
Spain won the 19th World Cup.
Yamal faces Messi in the finals on July 19.
"The Sun" Tarot Card is #19 (see Argentina's sun).
The prodigal "son" is anointed 🌞⚽️ pic.twitter.com/MQOIvLrCnR

— Foundring 🇺🇸 (@foundring1) July 15, 2026

BARÇA FANS ARE EATING 🍿🔵🔴

No matter who lifts the trophy, FC Barcelona fans are guaranteed to celebrate.

The 2026 #FIFA World Cup final pits Lionel Messi's Argentina against Lamine Yamal's Spain, a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations shaped by Barça. Messi,… pic.twitter.com/dRsMasGcPl

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) July 19, 2026

Sources

• https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/world-cup-news/messi-admits-world-cup-meeting-with-yamal-crazy-after-iconic-photoshoot/
• https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/world-cup-news/world-cup-final-2026-messi-vs-yamal/
• https://www.101greatgoals.com/match-previews/world-cup-matches/spain-v-argentina-predicted-line-ups-where-to-watch-stats-preview-world-cup-final/