In an extraordinary twist of fate, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, who first met in a UNICEF photo shoot nearly two decades ago, are set to face each other in the 2026 World Cup final. The photo, taken in 2007 when Messi was 20 and Yamal was just a five-month-old infant, has come full circle as the two football prodigies now stand on the brink of global glory.
Yamal's family won a raffle to pose with Messi for a UNICEF calendar, and the resulting image captured a heartwarming moment. In one photo, Messi is seen helping Yamal's mother give the smiling baby a bath in a blue plastic tub. Photographer Joan Monfort noted that Yamal's constant smile stole Messi's heart.
Fast forward to 2026, and the two are now sharing football's greatest stage. Spain's Yamal, a teenage prodigy following in Messi's footsteps at Barcelona, has just turned 19. Meanwhile, Argentina's Messi, 39, is playing in his third World Cup final, likely his last appearance in the tournament.
Messi, speaking at a fan event in Manhattan, reflected on the incredible journey. 'That photo is incredible. I took a picture with him when he was a baby... the fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy,' he said. Despite his fondness for Yamal, Messi is focused on defeating Spain and securing victory for Argentina.
Both Messi and Yamal now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, highlighting the importance of providing safe spaces for children to play. Yamal, who grew up with limited resources, emphasized the role football played in giving him structure, belonging, and hope for the future.
