Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, nearly two decades after an iconic photograph captured him holding the future football sensation as a baby.

The highly anticipated final has become more than just a battle for football’s biggest prize. It also represents a symbolic meeting between one of the greatest players in history and a teenager widely tipped to dominate the game for years to come.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Messi reflected on the famous photograph, saying neither he nor anyone else could have imagined that the baby he held during a charity event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou would one day become his opponent in a World Cup final.

“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 said.

The image, taken in 2007 by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort, was part of a UNICEF charity calendar organized alongside Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT. Yamal’s family had won a raffle that paired the infant with a then-20-year-old Messi for the photoshoot inside Camp Nou.

The photograph remained largely unnoticed for years before resurfacing in 2024 after Yamal’s father shared it on social media during the youngster’s breakthrough season. Since then, it has become one of football’s most iconic images, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

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Despite expressing admiration for Yamal’s remarkable rise, Messi made it clear that friendship and sentiment would be put aside once the final kicks off.

“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” the Argentine captain joked.

Messi also described the Barcelona winger as one of the best footballers in the world despite being only 19 years old.

“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. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons too.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said Yamal has all the qualities needed to enjoy a long and successful career at the highest level.

“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”

Sunday’s showdown has been widely described as a clash between football’s past, present and future.

Messi, now 39, is aiming to guide Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles after leading the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar four years ago. He enters the final in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, while remaining tied with France captain Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

For Yamal, the final marks another milestone in an extraordinary rise that has seen him become one of Europe’s brightest stars. After helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, the Barcelona forward has continued his impressive development, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the contest, not only because of the quality of both teams but also because of the unique story connecting Messi and Yamal.

The meeting between Argentina and Spain also carries added significance after the planned Finalissima between the Copa América and European champions was cancelled earlier this year due to the conflict in the Middle East.

As a result, Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final will serve as the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions, adding another fascinating layer to an already historic occasion.

For photographer Joan Monfort, who captured the unforgettable image nearly two decades ago, seeing Messi and Yamal now competing for football’s biggest prize feels almost surreal.

“The photo has exploded all over the world. Now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” Monfort said.

With one iconic photograph connecting their past and the FIFA World Cup final set to define another chapter in football history, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal as they battle for global glory.

Messi says facing Lamine Yamal in World Cup final after iconic baby photo is ‘crazy’