Lamine Yamal moved into World Cup history on Sunday, scoring his first tournament goal and surpassing Lionel Messi on the list of youngest goalscorers as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Group H play at Atlanta Stadium.
The 18-year-old winger struck in the 10th minute after finishing a low cross from Mikel Oyarzabal, becoming one of the youngest players ever to score at a World Cup and moving ahead of Messi, who was older when he netted his first tournament goal in 2006. Spain went on to dominate, with Oyarzabal scoring twice in three minutes before an own goal from Hassan Al-Tambakti in the 49th minute sealed a commanding victory.
Yamal’s goal — his first at a World Cup — capped a breakthrough performance in his second appearance of the tournament after debuting against Cape Verde earlier in the group stage. He was substituted early in the second half as Spain protected their lead, but his early strike set the tone for a dominant display from Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Spain’s victory marked their first win of the tournament following a disappointing draw against Cape Verde, lifting La Roja to four points and top spot in Group H ahead of their final group match against Uruguay. Saudi Arabia remain on one point alongside Cape Verde, leaving qualification hopes still alive but uncertain.
Yamal’s goal also carried statistical significance beyond the match itself. At 18 years and 343 days, he moved into the top tier of youngest World Cup scorers, surpassing Messi’s mark of 18 years and 357 days, according to FIFA records and historical comparisons. Only a handful of players — including Pelé and Michael Owen — have scored at a younger age on football’s biggest stage.
After the match, Yamal said scoring at a World Cup fulfilled a lifelong dream. “I always dreamed of being at a World Cup, and scoring in my first start is something special,” he said, according to FIFA. “I was watching the last World Cup in a classroom, so to score here with my family in the stands is a dream.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the teenager’s composure and said the plan had been to manage his minutes following a recent recovery from a hamstring issue. “The most important thing is helping the team,” Yamal added. “The result is what we wanted.”
Yamal, who made his senior Spain debut in 2023, has quickly become one of the tournament’s standout young talents and is expected to play a key role as Spain push for a place in the knockout stage.
