Lamine Yamal was at the heart of the celebrations as Spain secured their second World Cup star with a dramatic victory over Argentina in New Jersey. Amidst the joy of the post-match festivities, the Barcelona star shared a quiet, romantic moment with his girlfriend, Ines Garcia Santos, as they celebrated a career-defining achievement.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Lamine Yamal received glowing praise after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final. The 19-year-old produced another composed display on football's biggest stage, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart claiming the Barcelona winger had "completed football" after adding a World Cup winners' medal to his European Championship triumph.
The 2026 World Cup has reached its conclusion, with Spain emerging triumphant as they captured another global title. A memorable tournament in North America saw superstar performers from every corner of the planet take centre stage. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all illuminated proceedings, but Rodri signed off with the best player prize.
Spain's World Cup celebrations produced one of the defining images of the tournament as Lamine Yamal embraced a devastated Lionel Messi following the final whistle. Argentina's 1-0 defeat left the Albiceleste heartbroken, while the emotional exchange between football's past and present quickly became the enduring image of the night.
The World Cup final is finally upon us, and Sunday's showdown between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey promises to be an absolutely enthralling encounter between the two best teams in the tournament - with the emphasis very much on 'teams'.
The upcoming international showpiece in America will see a fascinating generational battle unfold as the Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi prepares to encounter La Roja's breakout winger Lamine Yamal. Having closely monitored the teenager's spectacular developmental trajectory at Camp Nou, the veteran playmaker expressed immense admiration while plotting to stop him.
Lamine Yamal has always looked up to Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend was - and remains - his one and only idol. "I never had another," Yamal admitted to Tuttosport. "I once took a photo with him. I was unknown." He wasn't just unknown, though; he was still only a baby, just a few weeks old when he and his mother partook in a 2007 photoshoot organised by SPORT for a charity calendar.
Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.
Social media sensation IShowSpeed has issued a desperate plea to Spain starlet Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The viral streamer is begging the Barcelona starlet to prevent Lionel Messi from lifting back-to-back world titles and further pulling away from his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. With Argentina set to face Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the stakes for the "GOAT" debate have never been higher.
Spain have begun their preparations for the 2026 World Cup final, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger was seen with heavy strapping on his left thigh while sitting out La Roja’s latest training session ahead of Sunday's showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
France defender Lucas Digne has opened up on the "immense disappointment" of Les Bleus' World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Spain. The experienced left-back was at the centre of the game's turning point, conceding the penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal that allowed La Roja to break the deadlock.
Awarded to the tournament's best player, the Golden Ball is decided by media representatives from a shortlist selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG).
Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has been the victim of a terrifying security scare after burglars targeted his Barcelona home in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident occurred just hours after the teenager helped La Roja secure their place in the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France.
