Lionel Messi reacts to 'crazy' Lamine Yamal baby photos before FIFA World Cup 2026 final showdown
Messi and Yamal will face off in the World Cup final.
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi termed the 2007 photo of himself bathing Lamine Yamal “incredible,” complimenting the Spanish winger ahead of Sunday’s World Cup 2026 final.
The shot was posted as part of a charity calendar made at the FC Barcelona stadium by the local newspaper Sport and UNICEF. Soccer fate then determined that Yamal, who would grow into a Barcelona icon 16 years later, was matched with the Argentine legend for one of the calendar photos.
The transition from bathtub to World Cup final has been completed, with the 19-year-old Yamal facing the 39-year-old Messi for the first time at the international level.
Lionel Messi speaks on his photo alongside baby Yamal
Lionel Messi said at FIFA’s Fanatics Fest in New York.
“That photo is incredible. I took a picture with him when he was a baby … the fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”
“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.”
“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.”
Lionel Messi, who has eight goals and four assists so far, is ready to appear in his third World Cup final, having previously reached this point in 2014, 2022, and now 2026. He is tied with Kylian Mbappé for the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot as Argentina attempts to win back-to-back titles.
Spain and Argentina were intended to meet each other in the Finalissima prior to the World Cup, but the match, scheduled for March in Qatar, was cancelled due to the Middle East crisis.
Has Lionel Messi faced Lamine Yamal before?
No, it will be the first time that both will face each other.
What was the photo about with Lionel Messi bathing Lamine Yamal?
It was part of a charity calendar created at the FC Barcelona stadium by the local daily Sport and UNICEF.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.