Messi and Yamal set World Cup final starting age gap record

In 2026 FIFA World Cup final, 39-year-old Messi and 19-year-old Yamal started the match, setting the record for the largest age difference between starting players in a FIFA World Cup final.

Messi's age is 39 years and 25 days, and Yamal's age is 19 years and 6 days. The age difference between the two is 20 years and 19 days, which is also a record in FIFA World Cup finals history.

Messi is the second oldest starting player in FIFA World Cup final history, and Yamal is the third youngest starting player in FIFA World Cup final history.