A photograph taken in December 2007, featuring a 20-year-old Lionel Messi bathing a five-month-old Lamine Yamal for a charity photoshoot, has gained renewed attention as the two players are set to face each other in the World Cup final. This upcoming match between Spain and Argentina marks their first encounter on a football pitch.
The image, which resurfaced during the European Championship of 2024 after Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, posted it online, has been described as an extraordinary coincidence. Messi, now 39, is expected to play in what could be his final game on this global stage, aiming for a fourth World Cup title for Argentina. Yamal, 19, is a key player for Spain, hoping to secure their second title.
A Remarkable Coincidence
Messi reflected on the photograph, stating, “Honestly, that photo of us is crazy, because — well, that’s life, right? I took a photo with him as a baby, and here we both are, facing off in a World Cup.” He praised Yamal as a significant talent, noting his development at Barcelona and wishing him the best, despite their upcoming competition.
The probability of this scenario, from a charity photoshoot to a World Cup final match-up, has been widely discussed on social media, with some estimates suggesting incredibly low odds. Photographer Joan Monfort, who captured the original image, described the situation as a “true miracle of destiny” and “serendipity.”
Monfort recalled the photoshoot, explaining that Messi, who was shy at the time, found himself with a tiny baby in a plastic bath. He noted that there was little interaction initially, but it developed into a good photo. Monfort also highlighted that no one could have predicted the future trajectories of either player at that point in 2007, when Messi was just beginning his career at Barcelona.
Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, also commented on the photo, suggesting that perhaps Yamal was the one imparting talent to Messi. The photoshoot was part of a charity calendar produced by Barcelona in partnership with UNICEF and a local newspaper. Yamal’s family had won a competition to be part of the event, and they were paired with Messi by chance.
Paths Diverged and Converged
Despite the early encounter, Messi and Yamal have not met regularly since. Messi moved from Rosario, Argentina, to join Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy at 13, eventually scoring 709 goals in 837 games for the first team and winning numerous trophies before leaving in 2021.
Yamal was born in Barcelona and joined the club’s youth system at six, moving into the academy permanently at 12. He made his Barcelona debut at 15 in April 2023. While there was a chance meeting captured in a photo of Messi, now with Inter Miami, and Yamal near a training ground, they are not believed to have met since.
Sources close to both players indicated that their busy schedules and living on different continents explain the lack of further meetings. Even when Adidas sponsored Yamal, Messi provided a video message rather than a physical meeting. Circumstances also prevented them from coinciding at major individual football awards ceremonies.
Yamal did, however, meet former Barcelona star Neymar at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, forming an instant connection. Yamal, who grew up studying Neymar’s playing style, spent time at Neymar’s resort in Rio de Janeiro during his holidays last summer. This connection is seen by some as fitting, given Yamal’s personality is considered closer to the more extroverted Neymar than the reserved Messi.
A planned Finalissima exhibition game between European champions Spain and Copa America holders Argentina in Qatar in March was canceled due to geopolitical conflict, preventing an earlier on-pitch meeting. At the World Cup, FIFA‘s new seeding system meant the two teams could only meet in the final if they both topped their groups.
When Yamal was given Barcelona’s No. 10 shirt in July last year, there was no collaboration with Messi, partly due to Messi’s complex relationship with the club’s leadership following his 2021 departure. The No. 10 shirt had previously been worn by Ansu Fati for two seasons after Messi’s exit. Yamal’s performances have led to comparisons with Messi, though Yamal has stated he does not wish to compare himself with anyone, especially Messi, preferring to follow his own path.
Monfort, the photographer, views the upcoming final as a fitting conclusion to their story. He expressed mixed feelings as a Barcelona fan, wishing Messi a second World Cup win while also acknowledging Spain and Yamal’s strong form. Yamal, who turned recently, has already won La Liga three times and the Copa del Rey once.
Yamal’s parents, Mounir Nasraoui and Sheila Ebana, met after moving to Catalonia. Yamal grew up in Rocafonda, a working-class neighborhood in Mataro, about 20 miles north of Barcelona. He has spoken about his parents’ sacrifices, stating that he could never repay them for their efforts in helping him pursue football.
Source: nytimes.com