Spanish wunderkind Lamine Yamal could get the chance to line up opposite his hero Lionel Messi next summer – if the Argentina superstar prolongs his international career.
Yamal was instrumental as Spain won a record fourth European Championship on Sunday, supplying the pass for Nico Williams to open the scoring as La Roja beat England 2-1 in the Berlin final.
It capped an incredible individual tournament for the precocious 17-year-old Barcelona tyro, who celebrated his birthday a day before the final. During the month-long Euro 2024 in Germany, Yamal became the tournament's youngest player, goalscorer, finalist and was named best young player. He ended the tournament with one goal and four assists in seven games, emerging as the breakout star of the competition.
Across the Atlantic, Yamal's boyhood hero Messi was also celebrating.
Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 after extra time in Miami to capture a record 16th Copa America title.
Messi, who plays his club football with MLS side Inter Miami, had to watch from the bench as substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the goal that settled the match.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had to be withdrawn midway through the second half with an ankle injury, leaving the field in tears.
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi holds the Copa America trophy while celebrating with teammates after defeating Colombia 1-0 in final Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday, July 15, 2024. AP Photo -
Lionel Messi of Argentina puts on his medal after his side's victory in the Copa America final. AP -
Lionel Messi of Argentina is all smiles after helping his side claim a record 16th Copa America title. AFP -
Argentina players celebrate their 1-0 extra-time victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. AFP -
Lionel Messi of Argentina in action against Colombia's James Rodriguez. EPA -
Argentina forward Lionel Messi and midfielder Enzo Fernandez celebrate their team's 1-0 win over Colombia. EPA -
Argentina forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch in tears midway through the second half after picking up an ankle injury. AFP -
Argentina goalscorer Lautaro Martinez of receives the top scorer trophy. AFP -
Lautaro Martinez of Argentina in action against Colombia's Johan Mojica. EPA -
Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates after scoring in extra time. AFP -
Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina celebrate. AFP -
Angel Di Maria played his last game for Argentina, walking away with a winner's medal in the Copa America final. AFP
Those soon turned to tears of joy though as Messi and Argentina collected a third-straight international title following their 2021 Copa triumph and the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, who just recently made headlines for doing a photoshoot with Yamal when he was just a few months old, could be passing the torch when the two countries play.
Here's everything to know about the Finalissima:
What is Finalissima?
The Finalissima (Italian for "grand final") is a one-off match between the winners of the European Championship and Copa America for another trophy.
When was the first Finalissima?
The first match was played in 1985 it what then called the European/South American Nations Cup.
It was also held in 1993 before being discontinued until the rebranded 2022 game that saw Messi and Argentina beat Euro 2020 winners Italy 3-0.
Who has won the most Finalissimas?
Argentina are two-time winners, having first beaten Denmark in 1993 before their most recent victory over Italy. In the first edition, Euro '84 winners France beat South American champions Uruguay 2-0.
When is the next Finalissima?
The next Finalissima is expected to be held in 2025. No date has been specified but it is almost certain to be held some time in the summer.
Will Yamal face Messi?
While Yamal's international career is just taking off, Messi's is most definitely closer to the end. At age 37, there are few things left for Messi to achieve in a glittering career that already has him earmarked as arguably the greatest player ever.
Two of Messi's teammates – Angel di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, both 36 – announced their international teammates in the wake of their recent Copa triumph. Whether Messi follows them or decides to carry on remains to be seen.
Their paths have crossed before. Yamal's father, Mounir, recently posted a picture of a then 20-year-old Messi early in his Barcelona career holding a baby for a charity calendar that was made almost 16 years ago. The baby in the photo is Yamal.
