NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi and Spain youngster Lamine Yamal shared a heartfelt hug after the final whistle of the FIFA World Cup 2026 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, embraced each other and had a brief chat. The touching moment quickly went viral on social media.Their hug carried 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 finals, while 19-year-old Yamal celebrated winning the World Cup in his first final appearance.
Torres scores title-winning goal
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title thanks to substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute of extra time.The move began 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 delivered a cross into the penalty area that was almost going out of play. Nico Williams, who had come on in the 75th minute, headed the ball back into the middle, 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 still not managed a single attempt at goal.
‘It was a goal scored by 47 million people’
Torres said the winning goal belonged to the entire 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 heavily criticized during the World Cup, but I think it was written in destiny and things. But I always have that chance, that option to continue, and God gives it to those who believe it, who deserve it most.”After scoring, the Barcelona forward celebrated by kicking down the corner flag before being surrounded by his teammates as Spain’s fans erupted in celebration.
Spain complete 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 then 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 defended Argentina’s late corner kicks to seal a famous victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time.
