One of football’s most heartwarming stories will come full circle on Sunday when Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, nearly two decades after they unknowingly shared a memorable moment during a charity event.
The now-viral photograph, which shows a 19-year-old Messi bathing three-month-old Yamal, has recently resurfaced online, with many fans initially believing it was created using artificial intelligence. However, FIFA and UNICEF have confirmed that the image is genuine.
The photograph was taken in October 2007 during a charity calendar photoshoot organised by the Barcelona Foundation and Catalan newspaper SPORT to raise funds for UNICEF.
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Yamal’s family had won a raffle through a UNICEF community programme, earning the chance for their newborn son to appear alongside a Barcelona first-team player. By chance, they were paired with Messi.
Photographer Joan Monfort recalled that the young Argentine was shy and visibly nervous while holding the baby during the session. At the time, no one involved imagined the child in Messi’s arms would grow into one of football’s brightest stars.
The image remained largely unknown until 2024, when Yamal’s father shared it on social media shortly before the teenager helped Spain win the UEFA European Championship. The photograph quickly spread around the world, becoming one of football’s most iconic images.
Now, with Argentina preparing to defend their World Cup crown against Spain, Messi and Yamal are set to meet for the first time as opponents on football’s biggest stage.
The remarkable connection extends beyond the pitch. Messi has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, while Yamal recently joined the organisation in the same role, with both players using their global influence to support children’s rights.
Reflecting on the extraordinary journey, Monfort described the photograph as “a miracle,” saying no one could have predicted that the baby in the picture would one day stand opposite Messi in a FIFA World Cup final, creating one of the sport’s most unforgettable full-circle moments.
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