Lionel Messi has described the prospect of facing Lamine Yamal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as “crazy,” reflecting on a remarkable full-circle moment nearly 19 years after he posed with the Spanish star as a baby during a charity photoshoot.
The Argentina captain shared his thoughts during a Fanatics Fest appearance alongside teammates and coaches from both national teams ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“I did the photo when he was a baby and to face him in the World Cup, it’s crazy,” Messi said. “But he’s without a doubt one of the best in the world right now.”
The story traces back to December 2007, when a 20-year-old Messi participated in a UNICEF-backed charity calendar photoshoot organized by FC Barcelona’s foundation and Diario Sport. Families from the local community, including Yamal’s, won a raffle for the opportunity. Five-month-old Lamine Yamal was paired with Messi for a bath-time themed session at Camp Nou. Images from the shoot show Messi holding the infant and assisting with his bath alongside Yamal’s mother.
The photos, captured by photographer Joan Monfort, gained renewed global attention in 2024 when Yamal’s father shared them on social media, captioning one “the beginning of two legends.” They have since gone viral once more as Argentina and Spain prepare to clash in the World Cup final.
Both players have strong ties to Barcelona. Yamal has emerged as a prodigy through the club’s La Masia academy, while Messi built his legendary career there before moving on. Their paths now intersect on football’s grandest stage, with Messi chasing a record-extending World Cup title and Yamal representing the next generation of Spanish talent.
The encounter has captivated fans and pundits worldwide, with many calling it a story of destiny. Photographer Monfort and UNICEF have confirmed the authenticity of the images, highlighting their origins in a children’s welfare initiative.
Quotes: “This is beyond all reasonable explanations.” – Photographer Joan Monfort
As anticipation builds for the July 19 final, the football world watches a poetic narrative unfoldfrom a charity bath in 2007 to a World Cup showdown in 2026.