Speed urges Lamine Yamal to ‘save Ronaldo fans’ and stop Messi winning World Cup again

American streamer IShowSpeed has issued a dramatic on-air plea to Spain star Lamine Yamal to defeat Argentina and deny Lionel Messi a second World Cup crown in Sunday’s 2026 final.

The US content creator, a high-profile supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo, used a live YouTube broadcast to call on the teenage winger to lead La Roja to glory and prevent Messi from retaining the title he won in 2022.

“Lamine Yamal, هذه الرسالة لك.. ركز! ارجوك افعلها، يجب عليك هزيمة الارجنتين في نهايي كاس العالم,” Speed said during his livestream.

He then appealed directly to Ronaldo supporters around the world, adding: “انقذني.. انقذ جماهير رونالدو، لا استطيع تحمل فوز ميسي بكاس العالم مرة اخرى، ولن اعرف ماذا اقول كمشجع لرونالدو اذا حدث ذلك”.

The comments highlight the enduring intensity of the Messi–Ronaldo rivalry, which continues to shape fan debates even as a new generation, led by 19-year-old Yamal, takes centre stage.

World Cup final billed as one of tournament’s greatest

Spain face Argentina on Sunday evening in a clash already being billed as one of the strongest finals in World Cup history.

Argentina reached the showpiece after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals, showing both cutting edge in attack and resilience in defence.

Spain, meanwhile, booked their place by eliminating France with a 2-0 win, a performance that underlined their control in midfield, sharpness in transition and solidity at the back.

The final in North America will pit the reigning champions, led by 39-year-old Messi, against a resurgent Spanish side built around a vibrant new core in which Yamal has emerged as the standout talent.

Yamal chasing history as Spain hunt second title

Yamal, already widely tipped as the best young player at the tournament, is aiming to guide Spain to only their second World Cup triumph, following their maiden victory in 2010.

His performances across the competition have underlined his ability to influence games in multiple phases – from direct attacking bursts and incisive chance creation to disciplined work without the ball.

Spain’s campaign has reflected a balanced profile often highlighted in FIFA Power Rankings-style assessments: a multi-layered attacking threat, structured playmaking from midfield and an increasingly well-organised defensive unit.

Victory on Sunday would confirm Yamal’s rapid rise from prodigy to global star and cement his position as the leader of Spain’s next generation.

Messi seeks to defend crown and extend legacy

On the opposite side, Messi is looking to extend one of football’s most decorated careers by defending the World Cup title he secured with Argentina in Qatar.

Retaining the trophy would not only add another historic chapter to his international legacy, but could also strengthen his case in future Ballon d’Or discussions, with talk already ongoing about whether he could yet add a record-extending ninth award.

Argentina’s route to the final has shown that, even in the later stages of his career, Messi remains central to his country’s attacking patterns – linking play, creating chances and providing moments of decisive quality.

Rivalry beyond the pitch

Speed’s intervention underlines how the Messi–Ronaldo debate continues to influence how fans experience major tournaments.

For many Ronaldo loyalists, another World Cup triumph for Messi would tilt the argument further in the Argentinian’s favour. For Messi’s supporters, a successful title defence would be seen as definitive proof of his status at the summit of the modern game.

Between those competing legacies stands Lamine Yamal – the youngster being asked, half in jest and half in genuine hope, to “save Ronaldo fans” by delivering Spain a second star on their shirt.