Facing Yamal in the final after baby photo is ‘crazy’ — Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described the upcoming FIFA World Cup final against Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as "crazy," recalling a photograph of himself holding Yamal as a baby years ago. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final, Messi expressed astonishment at how life has brought them together on football's grandest stage.

"That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just crazy!" Messi stated, according to ESPN. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner anticipates an entertaining match but hopes Yamal and his team will not have a strong influence on the outcome. "We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one," he added.

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That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just crazy!

Messi acknowledged Yamal's rapid ascent in the football world, recognizing the Barcelona youngster as one of the current best players despite his young age. "He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best," Messi said, emphasizing that Spain possesses a strong team beyond just Yamal.

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He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best.

The iconic photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar organized by Sport newspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona's Camp Nou. Fate later saw Yamal emerge from Barcelona's academy to become a prominent talent, setting up this World Cup final showdown with Messi. Monfort noted the image's renewed global attention, stating, "The photo has exploded all over the world... And now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script."

Messi enters the final in excellent form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists to guide Argentina to their third World Cup final. He is currently tied with France's Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot as Argentina aims to become back-to-back world champions. The match also follows the cancellation of a planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina earlier this year.

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The photo has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the U.S. has given it an extra push. And now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script.