Lamine Yamal says what he told Messi after the 2026 final and that he doesn't play for money

Lamine Yamal said he spoke with Lionel Messi after the 2026 World Cup final and thanked the Argentine legend for his contribution to the game, while stressing that his motivation is passion, not money.

Before Spain's match against England, Yamal described the brief exchange with Messi following the final in which Spain defeated Argentina. He told reporters he had thanked Messi for everything he had given to football.

What he told Messi

Yamal summarized the conversation with a short message to Messi and explained where his own motivation comes from: "I thanked him for everything he gave to football. I don't do things to be photographed, that comes from within." He is a regular starter for Barcelona and the Spain national team.

On his personal approach to the game, Yamal was equally direct: "I don't play for money, I play because I love football. Players who are obsessed with goals or assists don't enjoy it. I play for fun, to dribble, to play one- or two-touch, to allow a teammate who hasn't scored to score. Luckily, that's great."

Despite the rapid rise and the trophies already on his résumé, the 19-year-old admitted he feels the pressure of expectation at times. "My family was so happy! The problem is they don't know what defeat is. I go to the European Championship and I win. I go to the World Cup and I win. It looks easy. I thought, 'If I don't win, they'll think I'm terrible.'"

Yamal's comments came as Spain prepare for their upcoming match against England; the young winger's remarks underline a mindset focused on enjoyment and team play rather than personal statistics.

Photo: press material from the event