EAST RUTHERFORD − It’s become the most-talked about photo in the world.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
But it’s not a photo that was taken recently. It was actually shot in 2007 as Messi, then a shaggy-haired 20-year-old FC Barcelona star, is holding a baby in a blue plastic tub, which incredibly turns out to be Yamal, the now-19-year-old superstar.
Lamine Yamal’s mother had won a raffle to participate in the photo shoot with FC Barcelona players for a charity calendar, co-produced by UNICEF.
Now 19 years later, the two from the old photo shoot are meeting each other on the pitch Sunday with the 2026 World Cup championship on the line.
Messi and Argentina vs. Yamal and Spain at MetLife Stadium.
Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices… pic.twitter.com/TSoUPDxia2
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) July 16, 2026
What did Lionel Messi say about photo of him and Lamine Yamal?
Messi commented on the photo Friday at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York.
“He is one of the best players in the world right now, so I wish him the best,” Messi said through an interpreter. “He’s only 19 years old. He has all of his future ahead. He has the opportunity to make history, but we’re going to give it our best.
“What a crazy picture,” Messi added. “I wish him the best of luck. We’re going to try to give them the best match possible.”
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Lionel Messi reacts to ‘crazy’ photo with baby Lamine Yamal
