The Ballon d'Or has stirred fans' anticipation ahead of the announcement of the grand prize winner, scheduled for October 26 in the British capital, London.
Thirty players are competing to win the Ballon d'Or award as the world's best player, with Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Spanish star Lamine Yamal being among the most prominent contenders.
The official "Ballon d'Or" website recalled the final match that pitted Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against Spain, led by Lamine Yamal, in one of the most anticipated encounters in modern football.
The duo had graduated from FC Barcelona's La Masia academy before meeting for the first time on the pitch in New Jersey, where Lamine Yamal won the World Cup title with the Spanish national team.
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Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal may meet face-to-face for the second time at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 26.
REVEALED 🚨The secrets behind the conversation between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. 🇦🇷🇪🇸What happened in the World Cup final?Find out here ➡ https://t.co/1ggv0LbOR1#ballondor #messi #lamineyamal pic.twitter.com/W5L3zeVaHu — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 2, 2026@ballondor
Lamine Yamal revealed details of his private face-to-face conversation with Lionel Messi after cameras captured them, and their encounter sparked widespread buzz around the world.
In statements to the British newspaper "The Guardian," Lamine Yamal said: "I told him thank you for everything you have given to football. I don't do things just to look good in a photo; it came from the heart."
He added: "I saw him there, so I went to thank him. I always try to go beyond what is considered merely a nice gesture in football. In the end, we hugged, which created a truly wonderful moment."
Lamine Yamal took advantage of an interview to praise the most successful player in the history of the Ballon d'Or award: "I consider him the best always, even during times when things weren't going well; he was undisputedly the best."
He concluded regarding his assessment of Messi at the World Cup: "Although everyone knows he is the greatest of all time, no one expected him to deliver a legendary performance at the World Cup as he did, shining in every match and leading the national team to the final."
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal may soon reunite on the red carpet at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony after their paths crossed in the World Cup final. We will see if they meet again in London, and we will know very soon."
