Spain winger Lamine Yamal has surpassed Lionel Messi on the list of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history after scoring against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 tournament.
The 18-year-old found the back of the net during Spain’s Group H clash against Saudi Arabia after receiving an assist from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain went on to secure a convincing 4-0 victory, with Oyarzabal scoring twice in a dominant performance.
Spain star moves ahead of Messi
Yamal’s goal saw him become one of the youngest players ever to score at the World Cup.
The Barcelona forward became only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a World Cup match, joining Brazil legend Pele, who achieved the feat as a 17-year-old against Wales in 1958.
At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal moved above Messi, who scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days during the 2006 tournament.
Top 10 youngest World Cup goalscorers
- Pele – 17 years, 239 days
- Manuel Rosas – 18 years, 93 days
- Gavi – 18 years, 110 days
- Ibrahim Mbaye – 18 years, 142 days
- Michael Owen – 18 years, 190 days
- Nicolae Kovacs – 18 years, 197 days
- Dmitri Sychev – 18 years, 231 days
- Lamine Yamal – 18 years, 343 days
- Lionel Messi – 18 years, 357 days
- Julian Green – 19 years, 25 days
Yamal’s milestone adds another remarkable achievement to his growing career as he continues to make history on the international stage.