Lamine Yamal praised by Messi after Spain's 2026 World Cup triumph

Nineteen‑year‑old forward Lamine Yamal said Lionel Messi told him to "follow your own path" after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. Yamal, who grew up idolising the Barcelona legend, recalled that Messi’s words meant as much to him as the gold medal around his neck. The pair, once photographed together when Yamal was a child, met again on football’s biggest stage, and Yamal honoured the Argentine great with a post‑match handshake and gratitude.

Ahead of the new season, Barcelona and Spain coach Hansi Flick are being urged to keep the young star motivated and disciplined. Yamal finished the campaign with 24 goals and 18 assists for Barcelona and is expected to become the club’s primary attacker after the departure of veteran forwards. Flick, praised for developing Robert Lewandowski at Bayern, is seen as the mentor who can guide Yamal toward further individual honours such as the European Golden Shoe and help Barcelona return to the Champions League elite.