Those viral photos of Lionel Messi bathing a five-month-old Lamine Yamal in 2007? Yeah, they’re 100% real, and honestly, it’s wild. The reason they’re blowing up right now is because Messi’s Argentina and Yamal’s Spain are set to clash this Sunday in the World Cup final over at MetLife Stadium. Talk about a full-circle moment, right?
AI or Reality? Messi Can’t Even Believe This Showdown
When Spain’s Mikel Merino first saw the pics, he thought they were some AI creation, totally unreal. And honestly, who could blame him? But these photos are legit. Messi himself was asked about the whole thing, facing off for a World Cup title 19 years after that chance meeting, and he couldn’t hide his disbelief. He told reporters Friday, “He is one of the best players in the world right now, so I wish him the best. He’s only 19 years old and he has all of his future ahead.” He called the photo “crazy” and expressed disbelief, “Him as a baby, and now we are facing each other. What a crazy picture. I just wish him the best of luck.” Messi added that he’s followed Yamal’s career as he blossomed with Barcelona, a club he clearly still loves. He knows Yamal has a massive opportunity right in front of him, but don’t get it twisted, Messi and his Argentina squad are gonna do everything to prevent Spain from taking that trophy. “It’s crazy. He’s one of the best in the world right now, no doubt about it,” Messi stated. “And I wish him a lot of luck, because what’s good for him will also be good for Barcelona.”
The Raffle Win That Led to an Epic World Cup Final
So, how did this iconic photo even happen? Back in December 2007, a 20-year-old Messi met a five-month-old Yamal during a charity calendar photoshoot. This whole thing was put together by Barcelona’s foundation and the Spanish sports newspaper Diario Sport, an annual tradition where players were photographed with kids. Freelance photographer Joan Monfort actually told The Associated Press in 2024 that the Yamal family won a raffle, held with UNICEF, for their son to get a picture with a Barcelona star. Who knew that player would be Messi, and that it would lead to this World Cup final clash? Baby Yamal, with his mom, was in the visiting locker room at Camp Nou in the fall of 2007. There was a plastic bathtub, filled with soapy water, and a tiny future soccer legend with no clue what was going on. Monfort remembered Messi, usually an introvert, wasn’t quite sure how to handle an infant. Yamal’s father actually resurfaced the photos online two years ago, posting them on Instagram with the perfect caption: “the beginning of two legends.” At that point, Messi was already years deep into his pro career, with two league titles and a Champions League under his belt. Seven years later, Yamal began his own journey, joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy.
This Sunday isn’t just another game; it’s the World Cup final. The GOAT himself, Lionel Messi, is facing off against a player he literally bathed as a baby, Lamine Yamal. It kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Fox, and you know I’m glued to the screen. This is history in the making, and you just cannot miss this incredible clash for the ultimate title!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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