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World Cup: Messi and Yamal’s hug and emotional moments of the Spain vs Argentina final clash
20th July, 2026 12:49 PM
The 2026 World Cup final just delivered the absolute perfect climax to a historic month of football in North America.
While Ferran Torres grabbed the headlines with his extra-time clincher, the finale delivered incredible off-ball drama, generational shifts, and post-match tension.
Here is a breakdown of the defining moments.
Messi-Yamal embrace
The pre-match buzz naturally focused on the generational clash between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, but their most meaningful interaction came at full time. Following the final whistle, a dejected Messi was sitting on the pitch before picking himself up at the sight of an approaching Yamal.
The two proceeded to embrace in a powerful sporting gesture. The moment sparked widespread praise, with many appreciating the 39-year-old’s class toward the breakout star of the Spanish team.
Post-match chaos
This show of sportsmanship stood in stark contrast to the violent scenes that threatened to mar the end of the match just moments earlier.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who had been booked shortly after coming on, inexplicably decided to continue the hostilities after the final whistle.
The Argentine midfielder was central to a melee seconds after the game ended when he charged at defender Eric García and grabbed him by the neck. Paredes then threw Gavi to the ground, earning a post-match red card for his troubles.
The unsavory antics followed heavy criticism of Albiceleste behavior during a similar flare-up against England in the semifinals.
Tattoo promise
The aftermath of the final also took a light-hearted turn after Spain coach Luis de la Fuente challenged his players to keep their word regarding a celebratory tattoo.
Ahead of the showpiece match, left-back Marc Cucurella made a public promise that if Spain managed to lift the trophy, he would get a tattoo of the national team coach’s face on his bicep. Following the historic victory, De la Fuente jokingly stated that he expects his defender to honor his word.
“I am too old for tattoos, but my players are men of their word and I know they will stick to it,” the 65-year-old tactician told reporters when asked if he would be joining in on the ink.
“They made a mistake, and they will stick to it. I am not so terribly ugly that they have to get it in a place where it won’t be seen much,” he added with a laugh. “But it makes me smile, and I am proud that they keep their promises.”
