Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal share emotional embrace after Spain’s World Cup triumph – WATCH

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi and Spain youngster Lamine Yamal shared a hearty hug after the final whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, giving fans one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.After Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the title, Messi and Yamal met on the pitch, hugged and chatted briefly. The touching moment quickly went viral on social media.Their embrace had special meaning because of their famous bonding from a UNICEF photo shoot in 2007, when a young Messi was photographed with baby Yamal.At 39, Messi became only the second footballer to play in three FIFA World Cup finals, while 19-year-old Yamal celebrated winning the World Cup in his first finals appearance.

Torres scores the winning goal

Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title thanks to substitute Ferran Torres scoring the only goal of the game in the 106th minute of extra time.The move began just after the restart of the second period of overtime. Argentina already had 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.Lamine Yamal collected the ball on the right wing and it was passed to Pedro Porro. Porro then delivered a cross into the penalty area that was almost offside. Nico Williams, who came on in the 75th minute, headed the ball back into the middle where Torres reacted quickly to shoot past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with his left foot.It was Spain’s 20th shot of the match, while Argentina still failed to manage a single attempt on goal.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people”

Torres said the winning goal belonged to the whole country and reflected the criticism he faced during the tournament.“I think at the end of the day it was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said. “I feel very happy. I was heavily criticized during the World Cup, but I think it was written in fate and things. But I always have that chance, that possibility to continue and God gives it to those who believe in it, who deserve it the most.”After scoring, the Barcelona striker celebrated by kicking the corner flag before being surrounded by his teammates as the Spanish fans erupted in celebration.

Spain dominates

Spain controlled the match for long periods, creating chance after chance before finally breaking Argentina’s resistance in extra time.Marc Cucurella started the move from the back with a pass to Eric García who found Martín Zubimendi. The midfielder then released Yamal on the right wing, leading to the move that eventually produced Torres’ winner.Torres almost added a second goal later in the game but was ruled out for offside. Spain then saved Argentina’s late corners to seal a famous victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time.