Years ago, Lionel Messi, now 39, took a photo with a baby named Lamine Yamal. Today, Messi and Yamal, 19, will play against each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The game is on July 19 at 3 p.m. Eastern time in East Rutherford, New Jersey. About 80,000 fans will be there, and tickets cost around $10,000.
Argentina hopes to win its second World Cup in a row after winning in 2022. Spain wants to win its first World Cup since 2010. Both teams have strong records. Argentina has not lost and has scored 19 goals. Messi has scored eight goals and helped with four others.
Spain has a strong defense and has not lost in 37 games. They recently beat France in the semifinals. Spain has only let in one goal in the tournament. Yamal, wearing the number 10 jersey, leads Spain's offense. He plays for Barcelona, the same team Messi once played for.
Messi respects Yamal. "I took a photo when he was a baby, and now the two of us are facing each other in a World Cup final," Messi said. He believes Yamal is talented but said Argentina will try to stop him. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, called Messi "irreplaceable" and praised his talent at age 39.
The 2026 World Cup has been very successful, with 48 teams playing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Over 6.6 million fans attended, setting a new record. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event was a great success. The final will have performances by Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Coldplay. Fans can watch on FOX or Telemundo.