The two players will meet in the World Cup final 19 years after sharing a photograph
Lionel Messi has described the widely shared photograph of him holding a baby Lamine Yamal as “incredible” before the pair meet for the first time at international level in Sunday’s World Cup final.
The Argentina captain has not previously said much about the image, taken in 2007 during a charity calendar organised by Barcelona, local newspaper Sport, and Unicef, which has garnered significant attention ahead of the meeting between the reigning world champions and Spain.
“That photo is incredible,” Messi said. “I took a picture with him when he was a baby and the fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”
The photograph was taken by Joan Monfort in Barcelona, where Yamal was selected to appear alongside Messi for one of the calendar’s images. Sixteen years later, Yamal emerged from the club’s academy to become one of Spain’s leading players and will now line up against the Argentina captain in the biggest match in international football.
Messi praised the 19-year-old but said Argentina’s priority is preventing him from deciding the final.
“He’s one of the best in the world right now,” Messi said. “I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, [but] we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain have a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons, too.
“He’s a tremendous player, a global star,” he added. “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.”
Never forget Lionel Messi was photographed with Lamine Yamal for a charity photoshoot now 39-year-old Messi will play 19-year-old Yamal in the World Cup Finals 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rwiJ5pBPFo
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 16, 2026
Monfort, the photographer, said: “The photo has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the US has given it an extra push. And now this has culminated with the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script.”
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino admitted he initially struggled to believe the image was genuine.
“The first time I saw it, I thought it was AI and that it wasn’t even real,” Merino said. “It’s unbelievable that two of the best players to have played the game – and hopefully Lamine, in the future, will be one of those – share a picture like that.
“Hopefully we’re going to see a very bright final with those two protagonists at their best, playing and giving all the fans a great spectacle.”
