When talented Spain youngster Lamine Yamal hugged a tearful Lionel Messi after the World Cup final, the moment appeared symbolic. A transfer of the torch.

Messi, aged 39, looked long at Argentina supporters filling the New York New Jersey Stadium as they chanted his name after what could be his final appearance on football's grandest stage.

With the globe watching, it was Lamine Yamal who provided the Argentina great with comfort before the pair embraced.

Barcelona's number 10 consoling their most famous number 10.

A fresh picture compared to the striking image of a 20-year-old Messi bathing a six-month-old Lamine Yamal in September 2007 for a charity calendar that resurfaced during the buildup to this match.

The infant has become a man, and Messi may have reached the close of his World Cup path.

Lamine Yamal, two decades younger and still early in his career, has effectively mastered international football by securing the World Cup two years after rising to prominence by winning the Euros when Spain defeated England.

He, like Messi a Barcelona graduate, entered the event hampered by a hamstring issue yet finished as the youngest player, at 19 years and six days, to claim both the World Cup and Euros.

One major narrative in this lackluster World Cup final was how Lamine Yamal's impact benefited from his Spain colleagues' pure tactics, while Messi suffered from Argentina's aggressive style.

It produced nothing, which was exactly what it merited.

Spain and Lamine Yamal developed across the tournament to leave him with the world ahead and football's top two honors secured.

Besides his outstanding natural abilities, he serves as Spain's fortunate talisman. They finished their control of the international scene with Ferran Torres' winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.

Lamine Yamal remains unbeaten for his nation across 28 competitive fixtures. He has started 13 matches at major tournaments and triumphed in every one, the longest perfect record of any European player in such events when starting.

He also joined 19-year-old Spain teammate Pau Cubarsi as the fourth and fifth teenagers to begin and win a World Cup final, following Pele for Brazil in 1958, Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 and Kylian Mbappe with France in 2018.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his genuine thanks to Lamine Yamal afterward.

He has delivered excellent football that will aid his growth into an even finer player than he is now, he said.

He truly put the team first. This matters greatly in my group. In my view he delivered a fine World Cup.

This represents more than exceptional skill. It is exceptional skill paired with exceptional character.

He ignored Argentina's clear efforts to unsettle him during frequent clashes with Nicolas Tagliafico especially.

Former England goalkeeper and BBC Sport analyst Joe Hart captured it neatly.

Not only did Lamine Yamal avoid reacting, he said. He confronted it. He stayed composed and refused to retreat. The whole team sought to overpower him.

He remained calm throughout. It was a truly outstanding display from him.

Lamine Yamal is 19 years old. What a wonderful day for him. He is 19 and has completed football.

With nearly his entire career ahead and the guidance of Spain teammates including captain and player of the tournament Rodri, Lamine Yamal stands every chance of adding further triumphs before he finishes.

The delight surrounding Lamine Yamal contrasted sharply with Messi, who appeared devastated while gazing at the large groups of Argentina fans, perhaps realizing this could be his last time receiving such acclaim at the World Cup.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, like Messi aiming for a second straight World Cup title, grew emotional when questioned if the legendary forward's tournament career had ended, while also considering his own future as his contract expires in December.

Scaloni noted he had not spoken with Messi before breaking into tears and exiting the press conference.

Messi's efforts were undermined by Argentina's combative tactics from the opening whistle, which left their star and leader largely sidelined for much of the contest.

Spain's success represented a win for the sport because Argentina seemed intent on everything except that from the start, when Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic showed the leniency that has angered rivals throughout the World Cup.

Alexis Mac Allister's poor challenge on Dani Olmo drew only a quick warning, leading Spain fans to chant the name of Fifa president Gianni Infantino in irony. It served as another reference to claims that Argentina's path to the final benefited from officiating decisions.

Forty minutes passed before Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez earned the first yellow card for fouling Mikel Oyarzabal, met with strong sarcasm from many in the large stadium.

Witnessing Argentina's clear talent, shown in their semi-final win over England, reduced to such disruptive methods was a poor spectacle, one unlikely to support Messi's brilliance and presence.

Messi joined in by suggesting the referee should dismiss Spain's Marc Cucurella for speaking with a hand over his mouth, an action that can draw a red card if done confrontationally at this World Cup.

This followed the low point of Argentina's display, Enzo Fernandez's reckless run at Cubarsi just before extra time. The Chelsea midfielder was not watching the ball when he knocked down his opponent. A second yellow card was warranted.

Argentina became the first side in tournament history without a shot during 90 minutes of a World Cup final. When one arrived in the 117th minute amid rising urgency, Messi sent it wide.

Spain recorded 12 shots on target while Argentina managed none across the full match.

In a poor first half, Argentina committed more fouls than passes in the final third. Nine compared to eight. It reflected their approach.