Argentina captain Lionel Messi has spoken publicly about the viral photograph showing him holding Lamine Yamal as a baby, describing the moment as “crazy” ahead of their highly anticipated meeting in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
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Messi shared his thoughts during an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where he was interviewed by former NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Brady referred to the now-famous 2007 charity photograph taken at Barcelona’s Camp Nou and asked Messi what it meant to face Yamal in football’s biggest match nearly two decades later.
Calling the image “crazy,” Messi said life had come full circle. He recalled taking the photo when Yamal was just a baby and said it was remarkable that they would now compete against each other on the sport’s grandest stage.
The Argentine legend praised the Spanish teenager, describing him as one of the world’s best players despite being only 19 years old. Messi said he had followed Yamal’s development closely and wished him continued success, adding that his progress would also benefit Barcelona, where both players have strong ties.
Messi also described Yamal as a future leader in world football, noting that the young winger has many years ahead of him to achieve greatness. He added that winning the World Cup at such a young age would be a historic accomplishment for the Spanish star.
The iconic photograph resurfaced in 2024 after Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared it on social media with the caption, “The beginning of two legends.” The image quickly gained global attention as Yamal established himself among football’s brightest talents.
Read More: Barca’s Yamal eyes up PSG after Ballon d’Or miss
The two players are now set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina and Spain will battle for football’s biggest prize in what could become another historic chapter in both players’ careers.