World Cup Final: Messi Wishes Child He Bathed 19 Years Ago, Lamine Yamal Well Ahead of Sunday’s Historic Clash
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has sent a heartfelt message to Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the Barcelona winger as one of the best players in the world.
Speaking during an interview with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady on Friday, the Inter Miami forward praised the 19-year-old for his remarkable rise in world football.
Messi said he has followed Yamal’s progress closely because of the youngster’s exploits at Barcelona, the club where the Argentine legend built his iconic career.
”Yamal is one of the best in the world right now,” Messi said.
”Lamine is a fantastic player whom I have followed closely because he plays for a club I love and always wish the best for.
I wish him all the best. He’s a global icon at just 19 years old.”
Sunday’s final presents a historic opportunity for both players.
Messi is aiming to become the first footballer to captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles, while Yamal could become the second-youngest player to start and win a FIFA World Cup final.
The blockbuster showdown has generated global excitement, not only because it will determine the next world champion, but also because it reunites Messi with Yamal, the child he famously bathed during a Barcelona charity calendar photoshoot 19 years ago.
Their extraordinary journey from that memorable moment to sharing football’s biggest stage has added an emotional dimension to what promises to be one of the greatest World Cup finals in history.
World Cup Final: Messi Wishes Child He Bathed 19 Years Ago, Lamine Yamal Well Ahead of Sunday’s Historic Clash
Byadmin
Jul 18, 2026