Messi-Yamal, the mystery of number 19. How much in common

2026-07-18 10:02:00, Sport CNA

Spain and Argentina are preparing for the big World Cup final, a match that will pit the European champions against the reigning world champions.

The meeting will take place on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York and is expected to feature two names representing two different generations of world football: Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

For Argentina, Lionel Messi continues to be the team's main man. At 39, he has once again led the national team to the final and aims to defend the world title previously won by the "Albiceleste".

On the other side stands Yamal. The young Spanish striker is one of the most outstanding players of this World Cup and is experiencing a rapid rise in international football. After the success in the European Championship, he has the opportunity to fight for the most important title in international football.

In addition to the sporting aspect, this final is also accompanied by an interesting detail related to the careers of the two footballers. Messi and Yamal have some similarities related to the number 19, a number that has repeatedly appeared at important moments in their journey.

One of the most famous episodes is the photo taken years ago, where Lionel Messi appears next to a very small Yamal. Now, their paths cross at a World Cup final, 19 years after that moment, which has been re-circulated in recent days.

The coincidences continue in the sporting careers of both. Messi made his debut in a World Cup tournament in 2006, at the age of 19. A similar situation has been recorded for Lamine Yamal, who was also 19 years old during the 2026 World Cup.

Another common element is the number 19 shirt. Both players debuted at the World Cup wearing this number on their backs. Also, in their early days at Barcelona, ??the number 19 was part of their sporting identity.

Messi wore this number in his early years with the Catalan team, before becoming identified with the legendary number 10 shirt. Yamal has also gone through the same process, wearing number 19 before inheriting the number 10 shirt.

The final on July 19 will not only determine the new world champion, but will pit two of the most important figures in current football against each other, linked by a story that began many years ago and now continues on the biggest stage of world football.