One of the highly anticipated World Cup finals finally came off yesterday, Sunday, July 19, after Argentina’s star and football legend, Lionel Messi’s side, gave up their title in a 0-1 defeat to Spain after their 106-minute game at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike securing their second-ever World Cup title.

Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old boy who was pictured in a famous photo with Lionel Messi bathing him in late 2007 for a UNICEF–FC Barcelona charity calendar. Messi was 20 years old, Yamal was just six months old, and the shoot was part of a raffle that Yamal’s family won.

This picture built a lot of anticipation ahead of the final, as a baby once bathed by Messi had come of age and become a Spanish giant set to contend with the man who had bathed him.

This year’s final was nothing short of a star-studded one, with former football legends, music icons, and US President Donald Trump among other people in attendance.

See some photos below :

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Madonna was flanked by Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo

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Justin Bieber played guitar in his segment

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South Korean K-pop group BTS performs " />

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South Korean K-pop group BTS

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The stadium was a riot of colour for the half-time show, with fireworks ringing the stadium

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Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner

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Jay-Z and Beyonce

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British-Argentine actre

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alt="Getty Images US actress Jessica Alba (L) and US actor Danny Ramirez attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina

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FIFA via Getty Images