A mural dedicated to Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal in Barcelona barely remained intact for a few hours before being vandalized. The work, created on the occasion of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, appeared almost completely covered with graffiti that claims the identity of a historic club in the Gràcia neighborhood and rejects what its authors consider “modern football.”

The artistic intervention had been carried out by the artist Ax Colors in the Manuel Torrente Gardens, a space in the Barcelona neighborhood of Gràcia. In it, Messi and the young Spanish attacker were seen smiling while looking at each other face to face, an image inspired by the duel that both will star in this Sunday in the match that will define the world champion.

However, shortly after its creation, the painting was covered with the message: "A Gràcia, només Club Esportiu Europa. Contra el Futbol Modern" ("In Gràcia, only Club Deportivo Europa. Against modern football").

The phrase is usually used by followers of the Club Esportiu Europa, the most representative team in the neighborhood, which currently competes in the First Federation, the third category of Spanish football. With this motto, its fans seek to defend the identity of the institution against the growth of professionalism and the prominence of the big clubs.

Messi praises Lamine Yamal before the World Cup final

The appearance and subsequent vandalization of the mural coincided with the statements offered by Lionel Messi during an event held in New York, where he spoke about the confrontation he will have with Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

The Argentine captain recalled the well-known photograph that was taken years ago with a baby Lamine Yamal and acknowledged that he never imagined that they would end up facing each other in a world title match.

"Lamine plays for a club that I love, for which I always wish the best. He is one of the world leaders and, at 19 years old, he has his entire career ahead of him, a great opportunity to achieve something historic that we will try to prevent from happening this time," said the Argentine soccer player.

Messi also described the story behind that image as surprising.

"That photo is crazy because, well, in life it is difficult to take a photo with a baby and then face him in a World Cup. The truth is that it is crazy. He is one of the best in the world at the moment, without a doubt, and I wish him the best of luck because he is going to be good for Barcelona too," he said.

Despite the praise for the Spanish attacker, the Albiceleste captain made it clear what his team's objective will be in Sunday's final.

"We will try to play a good game so that he does not have his best version, although it is difficult, we will try. Both he and Spain have great players, a great game, and we have our weapons too," he concluded.

The work of Ax Colors sought to represent the symbolism of the duel between two generations of football and the connection that unites both players with Barcelona. However, that image ended up becoming the protagonist for a different reason, after being covered by a slogan linked to neighborhood football and the defense of the identity of the Esportiu Europa Club.