Messi recalls photo with 5-month-old Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup final

Messi reflects on a tender photo with 5-month-old Lamine Yamal ahead of the World Cup final, blending personal warmth with sporting focus.

Messi recalls photo with 5-month-old Lamine Yamal ahead of World Cup final
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Publish: 19.07.2026
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi said it was “crazy” to face Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final after a 2007 charity photo showed a 20-year-old Messi holding the five-month-old Yamal.

Messi made the remark during a New York news conference where NFL legend Tom Brady described the image as “very prophetic.” The picture dates to a Barcelona charity photoshoot won by Yamal’s parents.

Yamal, who debuted for Barcelona at 15 and now wears the number 10 shirt once associated with Messi, helped Spain win Euro 2024 and is 19 years old. Messi called him “one of the best in the world right now” and said he wished Yamal luck while emphasizing Argentina would try to limit his impact.

Messi attended a fans’ event with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Spain captain Rodri. After the news conference, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni hugged Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who had been one of Scaloni’s instructors when he earned his UEFA Pro licence.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The original photo from 2007 connects Messi and Yamal through a shared Barcelona moment that resurfaces as both appear at the World Cup final. Remarks at the New York conference included comments by Tom Brady, public appearances by players and coaches, and onstage interactions involving former athletes and entertainers, all reported from the event.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • The 2007 photo shows Messi holding a five-month-old Lamine Yamal after a charity shoot won by Yamal’s parents.
  • Messi described facing Yamal in the World Cup final as “crazy” and praised him as one of the world’s best.
  • Public appearances in New York included Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Rodri, coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente, and questions from sports figures such as Novak Djokovic and Kevin Durant.
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Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
A digital news platform delivering developments in Türkiye and the world to its readers with an objective and principled perspective. Liberal TR Haber Merkezi.
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