In 2007, a 20-year-old Lionel Messi held a four-month-old baby in the away dressing room at Barcelona's Camp Nou for a charity calendar photo. That baby was Lamine Yamal. On Sunday, they face each other in a World Cup final.
The image was taken by photographer Joan Monfort as part of a Barcelona and Unicef calendar. Yamal's mother, Sheila, had entered him into a draw. Monfort brought a plastic tub and rubber duck after bathing his own daughter the night before. The shot was published and then largely forgotten. It resurfaced during Euro 2024 when Yamal's father posted it with the caption “the beginning of two legends”.
“The story behind the viral photo of Messi and Lamine Yamal and their World Cup final meeting.”
Yamal made his Barcelona debut at 15 and inherited Messi's number 10 shirt. He helped Spain win Euro 2024 and, now 19, could become the youngest player to win both that tournament and the World Cup. Messi, now 39, told a news conference: “That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy... He's one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck, because his success will be Barcelona's success. But we'll give it our all to ensure he doesn't become champion this time.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called the connection “mystical, spiritual”. The photo has been called “prophetic” by NFL legend Tom Brady, who was also at the event.
For UK readers, the story resonates because England reached the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to Argentina, and now face France in the bronze final. The narrative of a prodigy succeeding a legend is universal.
Q: How did the photo of Messi and Lamine Yamal come about? A: The photo was taken around Christmas 2007 for a Barcelona and Unicef charity calendar. Yamal's mother put him into a draw to appear with a player. Messi was assigned January, and Monfort photographed him bathing the baby in a plastic tub.
Q: How old is Lamine Yamal and what has he achieved? A: Yamal is 19. He made his Barcelona debut at 15, inherited Messi's number 10 shirt, and helped Spain win Euro 2024. He is now in the World Cup final and could become the youngest player to win both tournaments.
Q: Is the World Cup final at risk from the wildfires? A: Smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality in New Jersey. A health expert warned conditions could be “dangerous”. However, FIFA has decided the final will proceed as planned at 8pm Sunday at MetLife Stadium, with personnel monitoring conditions.
What happens next: The World Cup final takes place on Sunday. Spain face Argentina. Yamal could make history, and Messi could add another title. Weather monitoring continues, but no change is expected.