The narrative almost defies belief. In 2007, a young Lionel Messi bathed a baby for a Barcelona charity calendar. That infant was Lamine Yamal.
Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey stages their reunion. The greatest of all time faces the teenager many believe will inherit the crown. Both products of La Masia, both wearers of the No. 10 shirt for Barcelona.
The teams' paths diverged sharply. Spain's controlled possession dismantled France 2-0, showcasing a clear identity. The tournament's best defense, led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, has conceded just one goal. Goalkeeper Unai Simón set a clean sheet record.
Argentina, meanwhile, has survived knockout chaos. They scored multiple stoppage-time winners, defeating England 2-1 after trailing late. Their engine is 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who has eight tournament goals and provided both assists in the semifinal.
The final pits Spain's desire for order against Argentina's penchant for chaos. One team is a defensive wall; the other refuses to die.