Messi and Yamal stand out in one metric ahead of the final

The 2026 World Cup final will feature not only Argentina and Spain, but also two generations of football. 39-year-old Lionel Messi and 19-year-old Lamine Yamal are leading all players in the tournament in successful dribbles.

Only two dribbles between the two stars

According to updated statistics, Messi has successfully bypassed his opponents 24 times in the World Cup. Lamine Yamal is the Argentine's closest pursuer with 22 effective dribbles.

The remarkable aspect of this result is the 20-year age gap between the players. While Messi is participating in his sixth World Cup, Yamal is appearing in football's biggest tournament for the first time.

Nevertheless, ahead of the final, both have become the players who have troubled opposing defenses the most in one-on-one situations.

Messi is not only leading in dribbling

The Argentina captain has scored eight goals and provided four assists in seven matches during this tournament. Along with being at the top of the goalscoring charts, he is also among the leaders in assists and chances created.

Messi did not score against England in the semifinal. However, in the final minutes of the match, he provided assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, securing Argentina's 2:1 comeback victory.

Thus, even if the 39-year-old forward's speed is not what it used to be, he still maintains a high level in ball control, finding open space, and disrupting the opponent's balance.

Yamal's single goal does not show his full impact

Lamine Yamal has scored only once in the tournament so far. However, this number does not fully reflect his contribution to Spain's game.

The 19-year-old winger has become one of Spain's main attacking weapons with his pace on the flank, unpredictable movements, and ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations.

His 22 successful dribbles show that Yamal is forcing opposing defenders to retreat in almost every match. In the final, an even tougher test awaits him against the Argentine defense.

Two generations face off in the final

On one side, Messi aims to lift the World Cup trophy once again, while on the other, Yamal is close to becoming a champion in his first-ever mundial.

The 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be held on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, USA.

Before the decisive match, Messi is only two dribbles ahead of Yamal. But in the final, a single successful dribble could decide the fate of the World Cup more than any statistic.

Who do you think will pose more of a threat with their one-on-one actions in the final: Messi or Lamine Yamal?