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.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain teenage star Lamine Yamal as a baby

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’

Wilfred Ndidi dismisses ‘juju cream’ rumours, says it was shea butter

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has dismissed viral claims that he and fellow Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho relied on a mysterious “juju cream” from a “Nigerian witch doctor” to recover from injuries during their time at Leicester City, clarifying that the ointment was nothing more than locally sourced shea butter.

The clarification follows comments made by former Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy, who recently recalled that whenever Ndidi or Iheanacho sustained injuries, they would travel to Nigeria and return with what he jokingly described as “a nice big tub of juju cream.”

According to Vardy, the Nigerian duo instructed the club’s physiotherapist and massage staff to apply only the ointment to the injured area during treatment. He added that whenever teammates asked where the cream came from, Ndidi and Iheanacho would jokingly reply that it had been obtained from a “Nigerian witch doctor.”

The remarks quickly went viral across social media, sparking mixed reactions from football fans. While many interpreted the comments as dressing-room humour, others questioned whether the players had relied on traditional or mystical remedies during their recovery.

The discussion gathered further momentum after former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe tagged both Ndidi and Iheanacho on Instagram, asking them to explain the type of cream Vardy had been referring to.

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Responding to Anichebe, Ndidi dismissed the speculation and clarified that the ointment was simply shea butter sourced from Nigeria, stressing that it had no connection with magic, rituals or any form of traditional spiritual practice.

His explanation effectively put an end to the rumours surrounding the viral story, with many supporters describing the controversy as a misunderstanding of light-hearted dressing-room banter.

Shea butter, extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, is widely used across Nigeria and many other African countries as a natural skincare product. It is valued for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly applied to soothe dry skin, minor bruises and muscle discomfort.

Although shea butter is not recognised as a medical treatment for sports injuries, athletes around the world often use natural oils, balms and massage creams alongside physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes to aid recovery and relieve muscle soreness.

Ndidi, Iheanacho and Vardy shared the dressing room at Leicester City between 2017 and 2024, enjoying one of the club’s most successful periods in modern history.

During their time together, the Foxes won the 2021 FA Cup, defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to secure the club’s first-ever FA Cup title. They also lifted the 2021 FA Community Shield after overcoming Manchester City.

The trio became known not only for their performances on the pitch but also for their close friendship and humorous interactions off it, frequently entertaining supporters through behind-the-scenes videos and dressing-room moments.

Ndidi’s clarification has since been welcomed by many football fans, who described the incident as an example of how casual jokes can be taken out of context and amplified on social media.

The episode has also sparked broader conversations about cultural stereotypes in football, with some supporters urging greater sensitivity when discussing traditional African products that are widely used for skincare and wellness rather than supernatural purposes.

With his explanation, Ndidi has firmly dispelled the speculation, confirming that the much-talked-about ointment was simply shea butter and not the “juju cream” portrayed in the viral story.

Wilfred Ndidi dismisses ‘juju cream’ rumours, says it was shea butter

Messi magic crushes England as Argentina stage dramatic comeback to reach World Cup final

• Martinez’s stoppage-time winner sends Argentina into final after England collapse

England’s dream of ending a 60-year wait for a World Cup final appearance was shattered in agonising fashion on Wednesday as Lionel Messi orchestrated a sensational late comeback that propelled defending champions Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 victory and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

With the Three Lions appearing destined for a famous triumph after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener, Argentina produced a breathtaking finale, striking twice in the closing seven minutes. Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi’s pinpoint cross in stoppage time, silencing the 68,239 spectators at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and leaving England devastated.

For much of the contest, Thomas Tuchel’s men frustrated the South Americans with disciplined pressing and defensive organisation. Gordon’s clinical finish early in the second half seemed to reward England’s impressive display, but the decision to retreat and protect the slender lead proved costly as Argentina tightened their grip on possession and relentlessly piled on the pressure.

Messi, who had been relatively subdued for long spells, came alive when it mattered most. Operating from the right flank in the closing stages, the 39-year-old maestro unlocked England’s defence with two decisive assists to send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face European champions Spain in New Jersey.

The victory further enriched Messi’s extraordinary World Cup legacy. Four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, the Argentine captain is now on course to win a second straight title, having already amassed eight goals and four assists at the 2026 tournament.

England captain Harry Kane admitted his side paid the price for abandoning their attacking approach after taking the lead.

“I’m gutted for the boys, the staff and the fans,” Kane said. “We played well for most of the game, but once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, that’s simply not enough.”

Kane insisted Tuchel’s instructions were to continue attacking, but England gradually surrendered territory as Argentina dominated possession.

“We struggled to get pressure on the ball after the goal,” he said. “In the first half and early in the second we pressed them really well and controlled the game. But afterwards it became wave after wave of attacks, and eventually they found a way through.”

Despite the painful defeat, Kane urged his teammates to draw confidence from another deep run at a major tournament.

“We’ve had a lot of good moments in this tournament and reached another semi-final. It feels like we’re always knocking on the door. We’re close, but we still need to find that missing piece.”

Messi’s influence in the closing stages underlined why he remains one of football’s greatest match-winners. The Argentine icon completed nine successful dribbles, created four chances, delivered nine crosses and registered both assists. Remarkably, he matched England’s entire team for touches inside the opposition penalty area.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed his captain’s enduring brilliance.

“He’s the best player in history,” Scaloni said. “I don’t know what else he has to do to prove it.”

Former England defender Micah Richards echoed that sentiment, saying: “They have Lionel Messi. They have the greatest of all time. These are the moments that define legends.”

For England, another promising World Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment. For Messi and Argentina, however, the quest for back-to-back world titles remains alive, with only Spain now standing between the Albiceleste and another date with football immortality.