NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi and Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal shared a heartfelt hug after the final whistle of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, giving fans one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.After Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the title, Messi and Yamal met on the pitch, hugged and chatted briefly. The touching moment went quickly on social media.Their embrace had more meaning because of their famous connection from the UNICEF photo of 2007, when little Messi was photographed with son Yamal.At the age of 39, Messi became the second player to play three FIFA World Cup finals, where 19-year-old Yamal celebrated the World Cup victory in his final appearance.
Torres scored the winning 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 began shortly after the start of the second half of extra time. Argentina were already down to 10 men when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.Lamine Yamal took the ball from the right wing and passed it to Pedro Porro. Porro then delivered a cross to the penalty area that was about to end. Nico Williams, who came on in the 75th minute, controlled the ball in the middle, while Torres reacted quickly to shoot from the left and past goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez.It was Spain’s 20th shot of the match, while Argentina had yet to attempt a single shot.
‘It was a goal that 47 million people scored’
Torres said the winning goal was national and he reflected on the criticism he faced during the game.“I think at the end of the day, it was a goal that 47 million people scored,” Torres said. “I feel very happy. I was criticized a lot during the World Cup, but I think it was written in the future and things. But I always have that chance, that chance to continue, and God gives to those who believe, who deserve it the most.”After the shot, the Barcelona player celebrated by hitting the corner flag before being surrounded by his teammates as the Spanish fans celebrated.
Spain finishes very well
Spain dominated the game for much of the game and created chances later on before breaking Argentina’s resistance in extra time.Marc Cucurella started from behind and passed to Eric GarcÃa, who found MartÃn Zubimendi. The midfielder then released Yamal on the right, leading to a move that eventually produced Torres’ winner.Torres almost added a second goal later in the game but was ruled offside. Spain then defended Argentina’s last corner to seal a famous victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time.