Argentina captain Lionel Messi has finally spoken about the viral photograph showing him holding Spanish football star Lamine Yamal as a baby, describing the moment as “crazy” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi made the remarks during Fanatics Fest in New York City, where he was interviewed by former NFL quarterback Tom Brady. The conversation came just a day before Argentina and Spain were set to meet in the World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Brady referred to the now-famous 2007 photograph and pointed out how remarkable it was that the two would now face each other on football’s biggest stage.
‘That photo is so crazy,’ says Messi
Responding to Brady’s question, Messi said the image carried special significance because neither of them could have imagined what the future would hold.
“That photo with Lamine is so crazy. I had a photo with him when he was a baby, and now we’re facing each other in a World Cup. It’s crazy.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner praised the 19-year-old Spanish star, calling him one of the best players in world football.
Messi also said he hopes Yamal continues to succeed, adding that the youngster’s progress is important for Barcelona, the club where both players made their names.
High praise for Spain’s rising star
The Argentine captain described Yamal as a “huge player” and said he has closely followed his rapid rise.
Speaking in Spanish, Messi said the teenager is already among football’s leading talents despite his young age.
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“He is one of the leaders worldwide at 19 years old. He has his whole career ahead of him,” Messi said.
He also noted that Yamal has the opportunity to achieve something historic if Spain wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A photo that became part of football history
The widely shared photograph dates back to 2007, when Messi and baby Lamine Yamal met during a Barcelona charity photoshoot at Camp Nou.
The image resurfaced in 2024 after Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, posted it on Instagram with the caption, “The beginning of two legends.” The post quickly went viral, with football fans around the world celebrating the extraordinary connection between the two stars.
Since then, the photograph has become one of football’s most memorable images, symbolising the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
World Cup final adds another chapter
The resurfaced photo has gained even greater significance as Argentina and Spain prepare to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, is aiming to add another title to his remarkable career, while Yamal hopes to help Spain lift the trophy and further cement his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
The final has been billed as a clash between one of the greatest players in football history and a teenager widely regarded as the sport’s next global superstar.
