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Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal may have lifted the World Cup, but it is his little brother Keyne who appears to have stolen the spotlight.

The three-year-old quickly became an internet sensation after footage of his exuberant celebrations following Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina spread across social media on Sunday.

While the footballer, just 19 himself, continued his rise by helping Spain achieve football's biggest prize, attention swiftly turned to his younger brother's joyful reactions from the sidelines.

From sticking out his tongue on the big screen to wildly cheering on his older brother, Keyne has been hailed by fans as one of the unexpected breakout stars of the 2026 tournament.

Spain triumphed in a battle of endurance, beating Argentina with a goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Michael Regan - FIFA / Getty Images Lamine Yamal lifts the golden World Cup trophy in the air as his teammates celebrate

The team's second World Cup win has made Lamine Yamal the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.

Reuters Yamal bends down to embrace and pick up his brother

His younger brother Keyne has become a regular fixture both on and off the pitch - often featuring in Lamine Yamal's TikToks and charming fans from around the world.

Hector Vivas - FIFA / Getty Images Yamal fist bumps his younger brother in front of the World Cup trophy
Hannah Peters - FIFA / Getty Images Keyne wears a number 19 shirt and a cap partially covering his eyes. His brother is behind him
IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after winning the World Cup. He is pointing up and smiling
Reuters Keyne smiles as he kicks a football on the pitch

The three-year-old, who appears keen to follow in his big brother's footsteps, is the son of Lamine Yamal's mother Sheila Ebana.

Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA / Getty Images Lamine Yamal Barcelona celebrates victory while holding his brother after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25

Speaking about Keyne, Lamine Yamal previously told outlets: "I'm moved when I see my little brother this happy, as well as seeing my mum and friends living the life they always dreamed of.

"My little brother means everything to me. I am in love with him; it feels like he is my son."

Reuters Spain's Lamine Yamal smiles as he celebrates with the World Cup trophy after winning the World Cup
Maja Hitij - FIFA / Getty Images Keyne is seen extending his arms out as his older brother Yamal leans down to pick him up
Reuters Spain's Lamine Yamal's brother Keyne plays football on the pitch after Spain won the World Cup
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Getty Images Yamal kisses his younger brother Keyne
Reuters Lamine Yamal puts a cap on his younger brothers head following his World Cup win
Fifa/Getty Images Keyne holds the World Cup trophy supported by his older brother
Maja Hitij - FIFA / Getty Images Keyne lies on the ground surrounded by golden confetti
Keyne lies on the ground surrounded by golden confetti
Reuters A smiling policeman hands the three-year-old his hat to try on
Keyne smiles as he is handed a hat by a policeman

In what could be seen as a symbolic passing of the torch, Lamine Yamal went head to head with Argentinan football legend Lionel Messi for the first time during the World Cup final.

Getty Images Lionel Messi controls the ball against Lamine Yamal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina

The two had crossed paths years earlier in 2007 when Messi, then 20, was seen cradling and bathing a tiny baby boy - Lamine Yamal - after his mother won a competition to meet a Barcelona first-team player.

AP Lionel Messi cradles a baby Lamine Yamal in a bath in the away dressing room at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium in 2007

Days ahead of Sunday's final, Messi, now 39, described Lamine Yamal as "one of the best" footballers right now.

"He's a tremendous player - a global star. He's 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we'll give it our all to ensure he doesn't become champion this time," he added.

As the full-time whistle blew, cementing Spain's victory, the pair could be seen embracing on the pitch.

Hector Vivas - FIFA / Getty Images Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal embrace on the pitch

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.