Why Lionel Messi & Lamine Yamal are on a collision course after Copa America and Euro 2024 triumphs - explained

Lamine Yamal's breakthrough season as a senior professional ended on a golden note as he played a key role in Spain lifting their record fourth European Championship trophy by beating England 2-1 in the final on Sunday. On the same night, former Barcelona star Lionel Messi won his fourth international trophy and second consecutive Copa America title as Argentina edged out Colombia 1-0 in a cagey final.

With La Roja and La Albiceleste winning their respective continental titles, the two teams are now all set to meet each other in the Finalissima 2025 - a one-off game competed between the champions of Europe and South America. This will be the first time that Yamal will come face-to-face with his Blaugrana idol on the pitch. While the final date for the Finalissima clash is yet to be announced, it is likely to be held during June or July next year.

The Barcelona wonderkid did rub shoulders with the Argentina skipper as a toddler 17 years back as the player's father recently shared throwback photos from 2007 where Messi can be seen bathing a young Yamal.

The 17-year-old is likely to take a well-earned vacation before he joins his club for pre-season. Messi, on the other hand, suffered an ankle injury during the Copa America final and will undergo a recovery process before getting back to action for Inter Miami.