NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi and Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal shared a heartfelt hug after the final whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, giving fans one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.After Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the title, Messi and Yamal met on the pitch, hugged and had a short chat. The touching moment quickly went viral on social media.Their embrace took on extra meaning because of their famous connection from the 2007 UNICEF photoshoot, when a young Messi was photographed with baby Yamal.At 39, Messi became only the second footballer to play in three FIFA World Cup final, while 19-year-old Yamal celebrated the World Cup victory in his first final appearance.
Torres scores the title goal
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title thanks to substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the only goal of the game in the 106th minute of extra time.The move begins just after the restart of the second period of extra time. Argentina were already down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.Lamine Yamal collected the ball on the right wing and passed it to Pedro Porro. Porro then made a cross into the penalty area that was almost offside. Nico Williams, who had arrived in the 75th minute, drove the ball into the center, where Torres reacted quickly and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.It was Spain’s 20th shot of the match, while Argentina had yet to manage a single goal attempt.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people”
Torres said the goal of the victory belonged to the whole country and reflected on the criticism he had faced during the tournament.“I think at the end of the day, it was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said. “I feel very happy. I was criticized a lot during the World Cup, but I think it was written in fate and things. But I still have that chance, that option to continue, and God gives to those who believe, who deserve more.”After scoring, the Barcelona striker celebrated by hitting the corner flag before being surrounded by his teammates as Spain fans erupted in celebration.
Spain completes dominant performance
Spain controlled the match for long periods and created chance after chance before finally breaking Argentina’s resistance in extra time.Marc Cucurella started the move from the back by passing to Eric García, who found Martín Zubimendi. The midfielder released Yamal on the right wing, leading to the move that eventually produced Torres’ winner.Torres almost added a second goal later in the match but was ruled offside. Spain then saved Argentina’s late corner kicks to seal a famous victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time.