I have a prediction for the World Cup final. The game ends 2-2 and goes to extra time and penalties. In the shootout neither side can get an advantage, with Emi Martinez and Joan García (Unai Simon gets subbed off in extra time for Joan) both making heroic saves to keep their respective teams in the game. After both full sets of 11 players take their penalties and the score is still tied, the ref brings Lamine and Messi together and says “we have reached the end of the designated penalty takers - there is an old rule in the original rule book that states that in this situation, both teams can agree to a gold medal draw, where the two countries share the World Cup.” Messi and Lamine look at each other with smiles on their faces, nod to each other, and embrace, sobbing. The crowd erupts as the Spanish and Argentine players run toward each other and start hugging and kissing, tears streaming down their faces as they realize the historic moment they are sharing together. As the two teams share the trophy ceremony together, Lamine and Messi step up lift the trophy, and it’s presented to them by Pep Guardiola and Hansi Flick, proud tears welling up in their eyes. Messi and Lamine together raise the trophy and suddenly over the loudspeakers “Cant del Barça” starts playing and the whole crowd joins in.
Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.
The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.
We are proud to have them on our team.
Credit: Joan Monfort
“Bellingham pon tu mundial en la mesa”
“Yamal ganó el mundial a los 19”
“Balón de oro número 9 para Messi”
“Yamal ganó el balón de oro a los 19”
“Yamal completó el futbol de selecciones a los 19”
“Messi ganó 2 mundiales”
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Micah Richards learned that his father, Lincoln, had unexpectedly passed away shortly before going live on the BBC for England vs Argentina.
Richards still completed the broadcast, saying his father would have wanted “the show to go on”.
“He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life.
He would take me wherever I needed to go as a kid, and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career.
Dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did.
My father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”
🚨 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧: Leo Messi completed 9 dribbles in the World Cup semis vs. England...
That's MORE than Cristiano Ronaldo's completed dribbles (8) in the last 4 World Cups COMBINED.
— @SofascoreLA