Argentina captain Lionel Messi has shared his thoughts on the famous photograph showing him holding and bathing Spain’s Lamine Yamal as a baby, describing the moment as unbelievable now that both players are preparing to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The image, captured in 2007 during a charity calendar project involving Barcelona and UNICEF, has become one of football’s most talked-about photographs.

At the time, Yamal was just a few months old, while Messi was beginning to establish himself as one of the brightest talents in world football.

The photo gained renewed attention in 2024 after Yamal’s father revealed it publicly, calling it the meeting of “two legends.” Since then, fans have frequently shared the image on social media as Yamal’s rise to stardom continued.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, Messi admitted that the coincidence still amazes him. He said it was difficult to believe that a child he once posed with in a photograph would one day stand on the opposite side in football’s biggest match.

The Argentine captain also joked about the upcoming encounter, saying he hopes Yamal delivers a good performance in the future—but not in the World Cup final, where Argentina will be aiming to retain their crown.

The showdown has added another fascinating chapter to an already remarkable football story. While Messi looks to cement his legendary career with another World Cup triumph, Yamal has the opportunity to make history by helping Spain capture the biggest prize in international football.

The remarkable connection between the two stars has become one of the defining storylines ahead of the final, highlighting football’s unique ability to connect generations and create unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch.