Editor’s Note: This story was initially published on July 10, 2024, and has since been updated.
The defending champions, Argentina, secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup final, where they will face off against European champions Spain, following a 2-1 victory over England. This match will feature a showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
At just 19 years old, Yamal from Barcelona is set to meet 39-year-old Messi on the pitch for the first time during the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. However, it’s not their first encounter. Yamal was still an infant when he first met the GOAT, who was then a 20-year-old rising star.
– Spain’s victory over France concludes a remarkable, 44-year World Cup final run
– Witnessing Yamal’s first World Cup goal from his hometown
– Messi’s history against top nations following his debut match vs. England
While it may seem incredible, a collection of photos that surfaced online two years ago showcases Yamal, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant UEFA European Championship campaign, making this upcoming reunion with Messi even more poignant.
These pictures reveal a very young Yamal being held during a bath by Messi, who was just starting to reach his tremendous potential at that time. One of the photos was shared on Instagram by Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”
Freelance photographer Joan Monfort captured a series of images featuring various Barça players with children and their families for a charity calendar created in partnership with the Catalan newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF.
“We created the calendar with UNICEF’s help,” Monfort recounted to The Associated Press in 2024. “UNICEF organized a raffle in the Roca Fonda neighborhood in Mataró, where Lamine’s family resided. They entered the raffle for a chance to have their photo taken at Camp Nou with a Barça player, and they won.”
In the fall of 2007, Yamal, along with his mother, Sheila Ebana, found themselves in the visitors’ locker room at Camp Nou with Messi. No one could have known that this seemingly simple meeting could signify the passing of a footballing torch, despite the initially tense atmosphere.
“The stars aligned when Lamine met Messi, but it was a bit challenging,” Monfort shared. “Messi is quite introverted and shy. When he walked into the changing room, he saw a plastic bathtub filled with water and a baby. Initially, he wasn’t sure how to hold [Yamal].”
Monfort expressed his delight in having his photograph resonate so strongly all these years later.
“It’s incredibly exhilarating to be part of something that has generated such excitement,” he stated. “Honestly, it feels very rewarding.”
Though the encounter may have felt awkward, it marked a literal brush with greatness for young Yamal before his skyrocketing career took off.
Since debuting for Barça at the tender age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days, Yamal has already clinched three LaLiga titles and celebrated his Euro 2024 victory with the Spanish national team. He has firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite players long before even turning 19 on Monday.
While many see him as Messi’s potential successor, he still has a journey ahead to match the milestones of the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, regarded by many as the greatest player in history.
Defeating Messi in a World Cup final would be an exceptional starting point.