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Messi and Yamal: From Bathtub to World Cup Final
A long time ago, in 2007, a young football player named Lionel Messi took a photo with a baby named Lamine Yamal.
The baby's family won a raffle to meet Messi.
Now, 19 years later, both Messi and Yamal are playing in the World Cup final, but on opposite teams.
Messi said it's crazy how life works in strange ways.
He also said Yamal is a great player and wishes him success, even though they are rivals now.
Many people on social media think it's a cool coincidence.
Messi has been helping UNICEF for a long time, and Yamal just became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador this year.
The photo was taken during a charity event and was rediscovered when Yamal's father posted it online during the 2024 European Championship.
A viral photo from 2007 shows Lionel Messi with baby Lamine Yamal, now facing each other in the World Cup final.
Messi praised Yamal as one of the world's top players and wished him success, noting it would benefit Barcelona.
The photo was taken during a UNICEF event at Camp Nou stadium, where Messi helped bathe baby Yamal.
Messi has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, and Yamal became one this year.
The photo was rediscovered when Yamal's father posted it on social media during the 2024 European Championship, sparking global interest.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal
- What
- A viral photo from 2007 showing Messi with baby Yamal, now facing each other in the World Cup final
- Where
- The photo was taken at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, and the final will be at New York New Jersey Stadium
- When
- The photo was taken in 2007, and the World Cup final is on July 19, 2026
- Why
- The photo highlights a coincidental reunion and the connection between Messi and Yamal through Barcelona and UNICEF
Messi's Perspective
Yamal's Perspective
Relationship with Barcelona
Messi's Perspective
Messi expressed his well-wishes for Yamal, noting that his success would benefit Barcelona, a club Messi deeply loves.
Yamal's Perspective
Yamal, as a current Barcelona player, benefits from Messi's support and the club's legacy.
Key facts
- Photo Year
- 2007
- Messi's Age in Photo
- 20
- Yamal's Age in Photo
- 5 months
- Current Yamal's Age
- 19
- Current Messi's Age
- 39
- Event Location
- Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona, Spain
- UNICEF Involvement
- Both Messi and Yamal are associated with UNICEF
- Photo Context
- Charity calendar produced by local newspaper Sport and UNICEF
- Photo Rediscovery
- Yamal's father posted the photo on social media during the 2024 European Championship
Timeline
Argentina, Spain clash in World Cup 2026 final.
Then, Messi, Yamal named starters, set for showdown.
In a full circle, childhood meet turns into rivalry's peak.
Quotes
Joan Monfort
Freelance photojournalist who took the photos of Messi and Yamal
“I have never been a believer or thought that anything was destined to occur, but I am beginning to have my doubts. This is beyond all reasonable explanations.”
thehansindia.com
“He is one of the best players in the world right now, so I wish him the best. He’s only 19 years old and he has all of his future ahead.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Lamine Yamal's Baby Brother Steals Spotlight Ahead Of Spain-Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
‘That picture with Yamal…it’s insane’: Messi on iconic photo ahead of WC final
Once a baby in Messi’s arms, now Yamal faces his idol
Lionel Messi reacts to famous baby Lamine Yamal photo ahead of FIFA World Cup final
Before Yamal: Youngest players ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup final
‘Life works in strange ways’: Lionel Messi on viral photo with Lamine Yamal ahead of Spain vs Argentina World Cup final
Lionel Messi makes heartfelt admission about the viral baby Lamine Yamal photo ahead of FIFA World Cup final
'It's Insane': Lionel Messi Breaks Silence On Viral Lamine Yamal Baby Photo Ahead Of FIFA WC Final | Video
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