Lamine Yamal revealed he thanked Lionel Messi for "everything you gave football" after Spain defeated Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final in the United States. The match, decided by an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, saw Spain claim their second World Cup title. This final marked Yamal's first and Messi's last, symbolizing a "passing-of-the-torch" moment between the two Barcelona La Masia academy products. Yamal, who has already won the World Cup and European Championship, expressed his desire to forge his own identity, distinct from comparisons to Messi, despite a viral 2007 photo of Messi with baby Yamal. Messi won his first World Cup in 2022, two Copa America titles, and ten Spanish La Liga titles, while Yamal has three La Liga triumphs.