Messi on viral Yamal baby photo: 'Incredible' we're playing in World Cup final

A photograph from 2007 has resurfaced, showing Lionel Messi bathing a six-month-old Lamine Yamal. This image, originally taken for a charity calendar at the Barcelona stadium, now represents an extraordinary narrative as the two players prepare to face off in the 2026 World Cup final.

Messi, now 39, described the coincidence as incredible. He noted the rare nature of their meeting on the world stage, with Yamal currently identified as one of the top players in the game at 19 years old. The two share deep ties to Barcelona, where Yamal currently plays and where Messi built his legacy.

This final marks a significant career milestone for both athletes. For Messi, it is a chance to secure back-to-back championships for Argentina. For the teenage standout Yamal, it is the opportunity to secure a world title against one of the icons of the sport.

Photographer Joan Monfort captured the original image, which has gained significant attention as the match date approaches. Players and fans alike have noted the cinematic quality of this path to the final, with team members like Mikel Merino admitting they initially thought the viral image was produced using artificial intelligence.

The final match will occur this Sunday, concluding the 2026 tournament. Messi remains focused on the task, acknowledging Yamal as a dangerous opponent while confirming that Argentina will apply its full defensive focus to contain him.