Messi and Yamal set for World Cup final 19 years after first meeting

By Arjun Sharma — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the FIFA World Cup final, 19 years after their initial encounter during a charity photoshoot in Barcelona. The upcoming match will see Argentina and Spain compete for the trophy at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, marking a significant moment in football history.

The first meeting between the two players occurred in 2007. At that time, Messi was already a prominent player for Barcelona, while Yamal was an infant. Photographer Joan Monfort captured an image of Messi bathing baby Yamal in a plastic tub during a charity calendar shoot organised by a local newspaper and UNICEF.

The photographs were part of an annual charity initiative, with Barcelona players posing with children and their families. Other footballers involved in the calendar included Xavi Hernández, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Carles Puyol, and Samuel Eto’o. The calendar, launched in 2008, aimed to highlight social challenges faced by young children and their families, with 50 per cent of its sales supporting projects promoting children’s rights.

The Unforeseen Connection

The photoshoot took place in the visitors’ dressing room at Barcelona’s Camp Nou in the autumn of 2007, when Yamal was only a few months old. Monfort recalled that Messi, who was then 20 years old, was initially unsure how to interact with the baby. Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, who was 16 years old at the time, also appeared in some of the photographs alongside Messi and her son.

The images largely remained out of public attention until Yamal’s father shared one on social media during Euro 2024, when the teenager led Spain to a title. The photograph quickly gained widespread attention and has resurfaced as a significant talking point ahead of the World Cup final.

Monfort, who started his career as a sports photographer in 1991, expressed his surprise at how events have unfolded. He mentioned that he had not anticipated the baby he photographed with Messi would become a prominent young football star. The photographer noted that media organisations globally have requested the images, and they have been widely shared on social media.

The connection between Messi and Yamal extends beyond the initial photograph. Both players emerged from Barcelona’s La Masia academy as teenagers. They are both left-footed forwards known for their ability to bypass defenders. Additionally, both wore the number 19 shirt before eventually inheriting Barcelona’s iconic number 10 shirt.

A Full-Circle Moment

Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial issues. Just two years later, Yamal made his debut at the same club, quickly establishing himself as a rising global star. The upcoming World Cup final will see Yamal, who is 19 years old, face Messi, who is 20 years his senior.

In December 2024, Messi reportedly identified Lamine Yamal as a player who reminded him of himself, citing his age and future potential. This sentiment further highlights the parallels between the two players’ careers.

For photographer Joan Monfort, the final presents a personal dilemma as a lifelong Barcelona supporter. He expressed a connection to both players, stating that his heart is divided. He noted his enduring admiration for Messi and acknowledged Yamal’s impact, representing a new, diverse Spain through his parents from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea. The journey from a charity photoshoot in Barcelona to the biggest stage in world football will culminate on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com