A unique reunion on the global stage
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. This encounter marks a significant moment, as the two players previously crossed paths almost two decades ago under unusual circumstances. In 2007, Messi was photographed bathing a 5-month-old Yamal for a charity calendar.
The images from this photoshoot, which resurfaced in 2024, show a then-20-year-old Messi holding baby Yamal. The photoshoot was part of an annual charity drive organised by UNICEF and local Barcelona sports outlet Diario Sport. Families from the Rocafonda neighbourhood in Mataró, Spain, entered a raffle for a chance to have their picture taken with a FC Barcelona player at Camp Nou, and Yamal’s family won.
Freelance photographer Joan Monfort captured these moments. He recalled that Messi, described as introverted and shy, initially found it challenging to handle the baby. Monfort noted that Messi entered a locker room to find a plastic tub with water and a baby inside, making the situation complicated at first. However, Messi eventually became more comfortable, resulting in the now-famous photographs.
Paths to the final
Spain secured their place in the final by defeating France 2-0 on July 14. Yamal, who turned 19 the day before the semi-final, played a key role in his team’s victory. Argentina advanced to the final after a 2-1 win over England on July 15, with Messi providing assists for his team’s goals, including one in the second minute of injury time.
Yamal has made a name for himself as a rising star. He made his debut for FC Barcelona at a young age, setting a club record. He has also won three LaLiga titles and the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024. During that tournament, he was recognised as the youngest player to appear and score. His father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared one of the throwback photos on social media, calling it “The beginning of two legends.”
Messi, who won the World Cup in 2022, has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career, including scoring 672 goals for FC Barcelona and winning multiple Balón d’Or awards. His former teammate, Pablo Páez Gavira, known as Gavi, has referred to Yamal as the best player after Messi. Messi himself has praised Yamal, stating that he is the best among the new generation of footballers due to his age, achievements, and potential future.
A fated encounter
The upcoming final marks the first time Messi and Yamal will play against each other. Their teams were on opposite sides of the World Cup bracket, meaning a final match-up was the only way they could face off. The connection between the two players has been noted by fans, with some suggesting a cosmic link. Yamal’s debut for FC Barcelona, the club where Messi established his legacy, further highlights these parallels.
Monfort, the photographer, was unaware that the baby in his 2007 photos was Yamal until a former colleague informed him that the images were going viral during the 2024 UEFA European Championship. Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, was also present during the photoshoot, assisting Messi with the bath. The charity calendar aimed to raise funds for UNICEF and the Barça Foundation’s childhood protection programmes.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see these two players, whose paths converged nearly two decades ago, compete on the pitch.
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Source: today.com
