Former Spanish national football team player Sergio Ramos' warm embrace with Lionel Messi after Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final attracted global attention.
In a FIFA live broadcast on Monday, Ramos showed respect for Argentina captain Messi after the final at MetLife Stadium in the United States, which Spain won thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time.
Ramos' action presented a moment of respect that contrasted with the fierce rivalry between the two during the El Clasico era or when they played for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
For years, the two have been known to the public as key figures in the rivalry between the two clubs. They have faced each other numerous times, competing for La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and even the Champions League, marking the golden era of El Clasico.
