Why this World Cup marked the end of one era and the start of another

THE 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as the end of one footballing era and the beginning of another.

Even before the first kick, we were talking about a changing of the guard: how Lionel Messi, the greatest to ever play the game, would meet wonder boy Lamine Yamal. A classic match up of master versus protege.

Who would have thought that the pair would take the pitch together, 19 years after they appeared in a charity photoshoot when Yamal was a mere baby.

Their soccer paths share so many similarities.

Both players trained at the same youth academy, the same club, wear the same number and have the same boot partner.

Age 19 was also the magic number for when the hype around their playing futures kicked into gear.

 

I came up against Lionel Messi during his younger years, when he was unknown to most of the world.

I was playing for the under-20 Australian team and we were 2–0 up with five minutes to play. We naturally thought we were about to claim a monumental victory.

So when Messi entered the pitch and swiftly scored two he left us shocked and wondering, “Who was that kid?!”

By the time we got to the Olympics four years later, the whole world knew him. He was already a global star.

That time, he did what he does and guided Argentina to an Olympic Gold medal.

It would be easy to sit back and criticise Argentina after the World Cup final because it wasn’t their best display on many fronts.

But rather than criticise, we should acknowledge and appreciate the fact that the team has appeared in three of the last four World Cup finals. This is an incredible achievement.

Messi has carried his country for two decades and is a key reason for their success.

As a football fan, I wanted nothing more than for Messi to win the World Cup in 2022. I thought it would be the last one.

 

But the level he reached at this World Cup has cemented his all-time GOAT status in our game. I’m sorry, but it’s no longer even a discussion!

Up now steps Lamine Yamal. Class, skills, poise and a confidence to match.

As a 19-year-old, he ran with the ball more than anyone else at the World Cup.

The longer the final went on, the more I was in Yamal’s corner. Spain deserved it and were clearly the better side.

Seeing Yamal take the time to console Messi after Spain’s victory was, in my eyes, a symbol of greatness coming together: a mark of respect, an embrace which was almost a thank you for showing me what’s possible.

On Monday morning, having both just dominated the world stage, we witnessed the moment that exemplified the passing of the baton.

From the GOAT, to the Boy Wonder. How lucky we were to see that.

See you on the pitch,

Coach Ado

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