Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal came together for a moment after the World Cup final, which may well mark the end of the Argentine's career with his country. Spain were deserving winners, having outclassed the South Americans, who were seeking to defend their title. The European champions dominated throughout and finally secured the winning goal through Ferran Torres in extra-time.
Yamal's Gesture of Respect
It means Yamal, who is still just 19, has now won the Euros and the World Cup as his status as one of the game's superstars continues to grow. He took time out of the Spanish celebrations to go and find Messi after full-time. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was sitting on his own on the pitch, and as Yamal wandered over, the Argentine stood up. They hugged and exchanged some words, with both men having graduated from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.
Yamal has previously declared Messi as the greatest player of all time.
Controversial Finale
It came after a final that ended on a sour note, with Leandro Paredes sent off. He was the second Argentine to see red, with Enzo Fernandez also dismissed as the losing side engaged in physical confrontations after the final whistle.
By his own high standards, Yamal's impact on the World Cup was limited, especially when compared to the influence he had at the Euros two years ago. The teenager himself said earlier in the tournament that few would remember his individual efforts if Spain did not land the trophy.
De la Fuente's Praise
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente spoke afterwards of his 'sincere gratitude' for Yamal and his evolution. 'He has played great football that will help him to mature and be an even greater footballer than he already is,' he said. 'He really sacrificed for the collective good. This is very important in my squad. In my opinion he played a great World Cup.'
Yamal has now scooped both the major international honours available to him, as well as several La Liga titles. The only major trophy missing from his cabinet is the Champions League.
Messi's Future
Messi, meanwhile, may well close the chapter on his time with Argentina. Despite being 39, he remains their central figure but came up short in a second World Cup final as he spoke out after full-time. 'I want to thank these guys eternally for giving us another World Cup final and for competing until the end. They were better, that's the truth,' he said. 'But I'll hold on to an enormous memory of what they have done, of what it's worth to get this far. We have to give it huge validity because it takes a lot to get here.'
