From Baby Photo to World Cup Final: Lionel Messi Reflects on ‘Crazy’ Matchup with Lamine Yamal

NEW YORK — Seventeen years after a chance encounter in a Barcelona locker room, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to face off on football’s grandest stage.

Speaking at a star-studded World Cup promotional event in New York, Messi reflected on the surreal journey that has brought him face-to-face with the 19-year-old Spanish prodigy in Sunday’s World Cup final. The connection between the two players is immortalized in a now-famous 2007 photograph, which shows a 20-year-old Messi holding a five-month-old Yamal during a charity photoshoot. The opportunity arose after the infant’s parents won a raffle prize organized by the club.

“That photo is incredible,” Messi said during the event. “The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”

Yamal’s trajectory since that fateful photoshoot has been nothing short of historic. After making his senior debut for Barcelona at the tender age of 15, the winger has inherited the club’s iconic number 10 shirt—the very jersey Messi wore during his legendary tenure at Camp Nou. Having already played a pivotal role in guiding Spain to victory at Euro 2024, the teenager is now aiming to add a World Cup winners’ medal to his rapidly expanding list of honors.

Despite his admiration for the young star, Messi made it clear that Argentina will show no sentimentality when the whistle blows on Sunday.

“He’s one of the best players in the world right now,” Messi remarked. “I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success. We’ll try to stop him from playing at his best. Spain have a great team, not just him.”

Messi added: “He’s a tremendous player, a global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give everything to make sure he doesn’t become world champion this time.”

The New York press conference served as a high-profile preview of Sunday’s showpiece match, bringing together key figures from both camps. Messi was joined on stage by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri. The panel was hosted by former England defender Rio Ferdinand and comedian Kevin Hart, drawing a massive media presence.

The event also highlighted the deep tactical and personal ties between the two finalists. Following the formal press conference, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni shared a warm embrace with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. The gesture carried significant professional history; De la Fuente served as one of Scaloni’s instructors when the Argentine tactician completed his UEFA Pro Licence in Spain, adding an intriguing mentor-versus-student dynamic to the upcoming final.

Reflecting the global appeal of the matchup, the event attracted some of the biggest names in international sports. NFL legend Tom Brady, tennis great Novak Djokovic, and NBA star Kevin Durant all participated in a special question-and-answer session, underscoring the immense anticipation surrounding Sunday’s clash.