Lionel Messi spoke once again on the eve of a World Cup final, and his words quickly spread around the world. Just hours before the highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentina captain took part in a major event at Fanatics Fest NYC alongside head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, in a gathering that brought together some of the biggest names in global sports.

Spain was represented by head coach Luis de la Fuente and midfielder Rodri, while the event also featured sports legends including Novak Djokovic, Tom Brady, Rio Ferdinand and Kevin Durant.

But all eyes were on Messi.

One of the most anticipated questions concerned one of the most remarkable images in recent football history: the photograph showing a young Messi holding and bathing Lamine Yamal when the Spanish star was still a baby, during a photo session in Barcelona in 2007.

“That photo is crazy. Life… I took a photo with him when he was a baby, and today we are facing each other in a World Cup final,” Messi said, reflecting on the extraordinary twist of fate that connected the two players.

The Argentine captain also praised the young Spanish star, now 19 and already one of the biggest names in world football.

“Lamine is a tremendous player. He is one of the world's leading players at 19, he has his entire career ahead of him and a great opportunity to achieve something historic,” Messi said.

However, he made it clear that Argentina will do everything possible to prevent Yamal from making the difference in the final.

“We will give everything so that it doesn't happen this time. We will try to play a good game so that he doesn't show his best version, although that is difficult,” Messi stated.

The Argentina captain acknowledged Spain's quality but also emphasized his team's confidence.

“Both he and Spain have great players and play great football, but we have our own weapons as well,” he said.

Messi, who is aiming to win his second World Cup and lead Argentina to the fourth World Cup title in the nation's history, also once again expressed his affection for Barcelona and wished Yamal success beyond the final.

“He is one of the best players in the world, and I wish him the very best because what is good for him will also be good for Barcelona,” Messi concluded.

The event also produced memorable moments. Novak Djokovic asked the coaches about the pressure of playing in a World Cup final. As the crowd began chanting Messi's name, Lionel Scaloni offered a message that reflected his philosophy:

“The sun always comes up tomorrow. That's why there's no point worrying about what happens.”

Messi, meanwhile, spoke about the identity of the Argentine team:

“We grew up with a lot of passion. With a great desire to enjoy ourselves. With a desire to compete. We are a competitive group.”

The final has already begun away from the pitch. In New York, surrounded by some of the biggest names in world sport, Messi spoke. He showed respect for Spain, admiration for Lamine Yamal and confidence in Argentina's own strengths.

Now, everything is in the hands of the football.