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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Amanda Langell

Lamine Yamal Is Ready to Take Lionel Messi’s Throne After 2026 World Cup Triumph

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As Lamine Yamal led Spain’s euphoric celebrations at MetLife Stadium, an emotional Lionel Messi couldn’t help but take in the moment of what was likely his last ever World Cup appearance.

The 39-year-old Argentine was in tears after the final whistle on Sunday, wallowing in La Albiceleste’s 1–0 defeat to Spain in extra time. Messi’s breakdown was a stark difference to the gleeful Yamal just yards away, dancing with his teammates as they waited to lift the most prestigious prize in soccer.

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