Lionel Messi has finally spoken about the viral Messi Yamal baby photo, calling the moment “insane” as he prepares to face Spain and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
The Argentina captain reflected on the iconic charity photoshoot from 2007, where a 20-year-old Messi was photographed bathing six-month-old Yamal during a Barcelona fundraising campaign. Nearly two decades later, the two are set to meet on football’s biggest stage.
Messi reflects on the iconic Yamal photo
Speaking during an interaction with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, Messi admitted he never imagined the photograph would become so significant.
“That picture with Lamine—now we are facing a final after a photo was taken of when he was a baby. It’s just insane.”
The Messi Yamal baby photo resurfaced across social media in 2024, quickly becoming one of football’s most memorable images as Yamal emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
Freelance photographer Joan Monfort captured the original photograph during a Barcelona charity calendar shoot.
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Messi praises Yamal’s rapid rise
Despite preparing to face Spain in the World Cup final, Messi had only words of admiration for the 19-year-old. “He’s one of the best in the world right now.”
Argentina captain said he has closely followed Yamal’s development because of their shared connection with Barcelona. “Lamine is a fantastic player, whom I followed closely because he plays for a club I love and always wish the best for. He’s a global icon at just 19 years old, with his whole career ahead of him.”
The Argentina captain added that Yamal has every opportunity to achieve something historic while making it clear Argentina will try to prevent that from happening in Sunday’s final.
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Argentina’s challenge against Spain
The Argentine star acknowledged Spain’s strength but expressed confidence in Argentina’s own qualities. “We’ll try to play a good game so he doesn’t have his best. Although it’s difficult, we’ll try. He, like Spain, has some great players and a great style of play. We have our own strengths too.”
Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with Messi aiming to add another World Cup title to his illustrious career.
Yamal continues Barcelona’s legacy
Yamal enters the final after another outstanding season for Barcelona, helping the club win the La LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup while reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The teenager contributed 18 goals and 25 assists across competitions before signing a contract extension that will keep him at Barcelona until 2031.
Like Messi before him, Yamal has inherited Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt and is widely regarded as one of football’s brightest young talents.
