Messi and Yamal: A World Cup Final reunion born from a 17-year-old charity photo

A remarkable twist of fate will see Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, linked by a 17-year-old photograph, face each other in a World Cup final. The image, taken in 2007 for a charity calendar, captured a 20-year-old Messi holding a baby Yamal. This heartwarming detail resurfaced during Euro 2024, reminding fans of the players' unexpected connection.

At the time of the photo, Messi was on the cusp of his legendary career, having already participated in his first World Cup. He was unaware that the infant he held would one day become his successor at Barcelona. Yamal's father brought the photo back into the spotlight during Euro 2024, coinciding with his son's breakout performance for Spain, where he became the youngest goalscorer in the tournament's history.

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It was very exciting to be associated with something that turned out to be such a sensation.

The photographer, Joan Monfort, recalled that the session was not easy, with a shy Messi initially unsure how to hold the baby. He only realized the significance of the image years later when Yamal began making waves in professional football. Now, Messi and Yamal are set to meet on the pitch in New Jersey, both vying for the ultimate prize in football, a narrative that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

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The beginning of two legends