Lionel Messi described a 2007 photograph of himself bathing an infant Lamine Yamal as "crazy" during an appearance in New York.
The interaction highlights a rare intersection of two generations of soccer talent just days before the 2026 World Cup final, where the two stars are now opponents.
Messi spoke about the image at Fanatics Fest in the U.S. The photograph, captured by photographer Joan Monfort, was originally produced for a charity calendar in 2007 [1]. At the time the photo was taken, Yamal was approximately six months old [2].
Messi acknowledged the surreal nature of the timing, as 19 years have passed between the photo session and the current tournament [3]. He said that the child in the image has grown into a formidable competitor on the global stage.
"It's crazy," Messi said [1].
Despite the historical coincidence of the image, Messi praised the skill and development of the young Spanish player. He said Yamal is "one of the best players in the world" [4].
The photo has resurfaced and gone viral as fans prepare for the championship match of the 2026 World Cup [5]. Monfort said the picture was taken specifically for the charitable project [1].
“"It's crazy."”
The viral nature of the photograph serves as a symbolic passing of the torch between the established era of Messi and the emerging talent of Yamal. By acknowledging Yamal's status as one of the world's best, Messi frames the upcoming World Cup final not just as a national clash, but as a meeting of two distinct epochs of the sport.
