From a Charity Photoshoot to the FIFA World Cup Final: Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal’s Incredible Story

A set of nearly two-decade-old photographs featuring Lionel Messi and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal has once again captured the attention of football fans around the world.

The photos were taken in 2007 during a charity campaign organized by UNICEF, FC Barcelona, and a local newspaper. At the time, Messi was just 20 years old, while Lamine Yamal was only six months old. In the memorable photoshoot, Messi was photographed holding and bathing the infant Yamal in a small plastic tub.

According to reports, Lamine Yamal’s family was selected through a lottery to participate in the charity campaign, and his mother was also present during the session.

Photographer Joan Monfort later recalled that Messi was shy and initially unsure how to hold such a young baby. After the shoot, one of his colleagues jokingly remarked that Messi had “blessed” the child—a comment that has become legendary in hindsight.

Nineteen years later, Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of world football’s brightest young talents, while Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.

On 19 July 2026, football fans are expected to witness a remarkable moment as Argentina and Spain face each other in the FIFA World Cup Final, bringing Messi and Yamal together on the sport’s biggest stage.

What began as a simple charity photoshoot has evolved into one of football’s most extraordinary full-circle stories, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.