18.7.2026
Nineteen years ago, Lionel Messi was pictured at an event with five months old Lamine Yamal, but now on Sunday they would be in opposite teams as Argentina and Spain contest for the title in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi who was reacting to the photos of that event which has gone viral said during a press conference in New York that it was a crazy feeling playing against Yamal.
Messi said: “That photo is incredible. The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”
He’s one of the best in the world right now,” said 39-year-old Messi.
“I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success.
“We’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him.
“He’s a tremendous player – a global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”
In 2007 Yamal parents had won a charity contest at Barcelona, the prize was having then 20-years-old Messi hold their five-months old baby for a photoshoot
Lamine Yamal made his Barcelona debut at 15 and has inherited the number 10 shirt from Messi.
He helped Spain win Euro 2024 and, now aged 19, could become the youngest player to win the European Championships and the World Cup.
Also at the news conference, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni hugged Spain counterpart Luis de la Fuente, who was one of the instructors when Scaloni gained his UEFA Pro coaching license in Spain.
Messi cuddles baby Yamal...now they face each other in the World Cup final.