'It's crazy': Messi on the baby he once held and who'll face him in the WC final
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 18.07.26. | 15:23
Eighteen years after a charity photoshoot at Barcelona, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are preparing to meet on the biggest stage of them all
One of football's most famous photographs is about to gain an extraordinary new chapter.
Back in 2007, a 20-year-old Lionel Messi took part in a Barcelona charity calendar, posing for a series of photographs with a five-month-old baby whose parents had won the opportunity at a raffle. That baby was Lamine Yamal.
Eighteen years later, the pair are preparing to face each other in Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
🚨TRENDING: In 2007, Leo Messi held a baby for a photo shoot. That baby was Lamine Yamal!
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) July 15, 2026
19 years later, they are set to face each other in the 2026 World Cup final! pic.twitter.com/6HtFI0PTWB
The remarkable story resurfaced on Friday when NFL legend Tom Brady reminded Messi of the famous image during a fan event in New York, describing it as "very prophetic."
Messi could only smile.
"That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy."
The Argentine captain also had warm words for the Barcelona teenager, who has inherited the club's iconic No. 10 shirt and already established himself as one of football's brightest stars after helping Spain win Euro 2024.
"He's one of the best players in the world right now," Messi said. "I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona's success."
Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) July 16, 2026
More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices… pic.twitter.com/TSoUPDxia2
But any goodwill will be put on hold for 90 minutes - or longer.
"We'll try to stop him from playing at his best. Spain is a great team, not just him. He's a tremendous player, a global star. He's only 19 and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we'll give everything to make sure he doesn't become champion this time."
The event brought together sporting royalty from across the globe. Messi appeared alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Spain captain Rodri and World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, while Brady, Novak Djokovic, Kevin Durant, Rio Ferdinand and Kevin Hart all took part.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Sunday
Third-place match
00.00: (2.00) France (3.75) England (3.60)
Final
22.00: (2.35) Spain (3.00) Argentina (3.60)
***odds are subject to change***