Now iconic: Messi‑Yamal photo resurfaces before World Cup final

An almost two‑decade‑old photograph of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal has resurfaced, and its symbolism will loom large on Sunday, 19 July, when Spain meet Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The image, originally taken in 2007 for a Barcelona‑Sport charity calendar, now links the two stars across generations.

The picture was captured in 2007 as part of a charity calendar produced by Barcelona together with the local newspaper Sport. The calendar aimed to showcase Barcelona players alongside children, involving hundreds of families.

Money raised from the calendar was donated to UNICEF and other charities, underscoring the humanitarian purpose. The collaboration highlighted Barcelona’s community engagement.

Lamine Yamal, then a baby, was selected to pose with Messi, who was just beginning his professional career. Photographer Joan Monfort later described the pairing as a twist of fate, noting that no one could have foreseen the future paths of either child.

At the time, Messi was emerging as a promising Barcelona youngster, while Yamal was an infant with no public profile.

Decades later, Messi is universally recognised as a football legend, having amassed countless records and titles, a sharp contrast to the humble beginnings captured in the 2007 photograph.

Lamine Yamal has grown into one of the biggest names of the current generation, starring for Spain and attracting global attention.

Now the two will stand on opposite sides on Sunday, the 19th, when Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final organised by FIFA, the ultimate stage for both stars.

Following the confirmation of the final, the photo of Messi bathing Yamal went viral again on social media, sparking renewed interest and reactions from fans worldwide. Joan Monfort recounted the story in an interview, confirming the charitable purpose and the unexpected link between the two footballers.