LAMINE YAMAL has revealed what Lionel Messi told him after Spain won their second World Cup.
Yamal collected his first World Cup winners’ medal after helping Spain beat Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
Yamal, 19, has established himself as one of the best young players in world football since his breakthrough in 2023.
He is now a world champion thanks to Ferran Torres‘ decisive goal at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The winger was spotted speaking to a heartbroken Messi at the end of the game.
The two players could be seen talking, and the Argentine legend was giving Yamal some crucial words of advice.
Yamal has revealed what exactly Messi said to him and that it was as important as the medal he was wearing.
He told Marca: “He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to.
“After the match, I wanted to show him my respect.
“He told me to keep following my path and that the future belongs to our generation.
“Those words are worth as much as the gold medal hanging around my neck.”
Yamal ended the World Cup tournament with one goal and no assists for Spain.
It was not enough for him to land the award for Young Player of the tournament.
That accolade went to his Spain and Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi who impressed in the team’s defence.
Yamal’s career has so far echoed that of Messi’s as he also graduated through the esteemed La Masia academy.
He has also worn both the no19 and no10 shirts for Barcelona, just like his Argentine predessecor.
Yamal has since been celebrating Spain’s triumph in New Jersey back in Madrid.
He was on the team’s bus parade through the capital city and even aimed a dig at Argentina’s thug Leandro Paredes.
He held up a sign suggesting a boxing match between the midfielder and Gavi after their on-pitch clash after the full-time whistle.