Messi and Yamal: Behind football's 'prophetic' full-circle moment
According to Monfort, the biggest challenge was persuading the shy young Argentine to relax while holding and bathing the baby...
✨ Key Highlights
A remarkable "full-circle" moment in football is set to occur at the 2026 World Cup final when Lionel Messi faces Lamine Yamal. The two stars were once photographed together as infant and young player during a UNICEF charity event at Camp Nou.
- The iconic photo was taken in 2007 when a 20-year-old Messi bathed an infant Yamal for a charity calendar.
- Lamine Yamal, now 17, is a rising star for Spain and wears the iconic No. 10 shirt at FC Barcelona, previously worn by Messi.
- Both Messi and Yamal have recently become UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, highlighting a shared commitment to the organization.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Standard Sports
Part of the Day's Coverage
Messi and Yamal Set for World Cup Final Reunion - July 2026
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other in the 2026 World Cup final in a "full-circle" moment, as they were previously photographed together at a UNICEF charity event at Camp Nou during Messi's time at Barcelona and Yamal's infancy. Meanwhile, France head coach Didier Deschamps is set to conclude his 14-year reign with the World Cup third-place play-off against England on Saturday. At the same time, England manager Thomas Tuchel admits his team carries the "scars" of their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, acknowledging a gap still exists between England and the top footballing nations.
