Lionel Messi reacts to throwback photo of baby Lamine Yamal ahead of WC final

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The iconic picture of a young Lionel Messi with baby Lamine Yamal has caught even the Argentinian superstar by surprise. Lionel Messi reflected on the widely shared photograph, calling its existence ‘insane’ as the two prepare to face each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Speaking in a video shared by DSports and quoted by Planeta do Futebol on X, Messi said it was remarkable to see how a photograph taken when Yamal was just a baby has gained new significance ahead of football’s biggest match.

“The truth is that the existence of this photo is insane, because we took it when he was just a baby, and now we’re both competing in a World Cup final. All of this is insane!” Messi said.

Messi took part in a charity photoshoot organised by Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in 2008 while then playing for Barcelona. During the shoot at the club’s iconic Camp Nou stadium, the then-20-year-old Argentine posed with a baby Lamine Yamal, who was sitting in a small plastic bathtub alongside his mother, Sheila Ebana.

At the time, neither could have imagined that Yamal would grow into one of Spain’s brightest footballing talents, with the possibility of facing Messi in a FIFA World Cup final almost two decades later. The historic image was captured by freelance photographer Joan Monfort.

UNICEF reflects on the iconic picture

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, UNICEF shared the iconic photograph of Argentina captain Messi with a baby Yamal, highlighting the remarkable journey of the two football stars from a charity photoshoot nearly two decades ago to becoming global ambassadors for children.

In a post on X, UNICEF wrote, “Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.”

UNICEF added that while both have gone on to inspire millions with their performances on the football field, they are also united by their work away from the sport.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world,” the post read.

(With inputs from ANI)

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