The Story Behind the Viral Photo of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal: From a Charity Shoot to the World Cup Final

A photograph capturing a young Lionel Messi holding a baby Lamine Yamal, taken nearly two decades ago, has resurfaced and gone viral ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The image, originally from a 2007 solidarity calendar, has taken on a symbolic meaning as the two footballing giants prepare to face each other on the global stage.

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The beginning of two legends.

The picture was taken for a collaborative effort between Diario Sports, UNICEF, and the Barça Foundation. In the photo, a then 20-year-old Messi, with long hair, is seen holding a newborn Yamal, who was selected for the campaign after his parents entered a UNICEF-organized raffle in their neighborhood. The photographer, Joan Monfort, recalled Messi being shy and cautious when initially holding the infant.

This serendipitous encounter has become a focal point of discussion as Messi's Argentina is set to play against Yamal's Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match marks a significant moment, potentially seeing the two players, whose paths crossed in such an unusual way, compete for football's ultimate prize.

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It was a coincidence of life. At that moment, you cannot imagine what it will be almost 20 years later. It is a conjunction of things that only happens once.

Lamine Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared the photo on social media prior to the Euro 2024, captioning it "The beginning of two legends." The image's viral spread highlights the narrative power of sports, connecting past moments with present anticipation and adding an emotional layer to the highly anticipated final.

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Messi was extremely shy, somewhat tense and very prudent, and he even had trouble taking the child. Or so I perceived it. But when Joan took out a duck, they started to laugh.