Lionel Messi Calls Iconic Photo with Lamine Yamal 'Crazy'

Lionel Messi described a 2007 photograph featuring himself and a young Lamine Yamal as "crazy," marveling at the journey the now-19-year-old has taken. The image, captured during a UNICEF and FC Barcelona Foundation charity campaign, has gained new significance as both players prepare to face each other in the 2026 World Cup final.

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That photo is crazy, he was a baby, honestly, I laugh, it's crazy.

"That photo is crazy, he was a baby, honestly, I laugh, it's crazy," Messi said during a FIFA-organized event. He acknowledged Yamal's current standing, stating, "He is one of the best in the world right now. I wish him the best, always the best for him and Barcelona."

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He is one of the best in the world right now. I wish him the best, always the best for him and Barcelona.

Despite the personal connection and admiration, Messi acknowledged the competitive nature of the upcoming final. "We will try to play a better game so that he doesn't have his best version, although it is difficult, both him and Spain, who arrive with great players. We also have our weapons," he added.

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We will try to play a better game so that he doesn't have his best version, although it is difficult, both him and Spain, who arrive with great players. We also have our weapons.

Messi, who is aiming for a second consecutive World Cup title with Argentina, also reflected on his own career and the passion for the sport. "A little of what Lionel (Scaloni) said, we grew up playing football, with passion, a lot of grit always, playing it, fighting for a place, at school, in a team, we always looked for something natural, to play, to compete. In the end, we are a competitive group, it is a collective sport," he stated. He emphasized the lessons learned from both wins and losses, which have shaped him as a person and a player.

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A little of what Lionel (Scaloni) said, we grew up playing football, with passion, a lot of grit always, playing it, fighting for a place, at school, in a team, we always looked for something natural, to play, to compete. In the end, we are a competitive group, it is a collective sport.