Topps is set to release a trading card featuring a memorable photograph taken during the World Cup, showcasing Argentina’s Lionel Messi holding Lamine Yamal of Spain, the company announced on Monday.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, was photographed with Yamal when he was just an infant. Yamal has since grown into a 19-year-old promising talent at Barcelona, where Messi made his mark and secured numerous accolades.
The iconic Messi & Yamal photoshoot is going on a 1-of-1 trading card 🥹
Arriving in Topps Stadium Club UCC later this year. pic.twitter.com/gDWljwXLJ7
— Topps (@Topps) July 20, 2026
The two players faced off in the World Cup final on Sunday, where Yamal and Spain triumphed over Messi’s Argentina with a score of 1-0.
Per Topps’ announcement on X, the card will be a unique 1-of-1 edition and will be included in boxes of Topps Stadium Club UCC, set to release later this year.
During their initial meeting at a fundraising event for UNICEF, Messi held Yamal, who is now seen as a potential future star of the sport.
Before the match, Messi reflected on their past encounter, saying, “That photo is incredible. I took a picture with him when he was a baby. The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”
The 2026 final marked a pivotal moment, featuring a potential shift in the spotlight from the 39-year-old Messi, likely in his final World Cup, to the emerging talent Yamal, who was making his debut.
Both players are expected to take a break after competing in eight matches during this summer’s World Cup. Yamal will return to training for the 2026-27 La Liga season, while Messi will rejoin MLS squad Inter Miami CF as league play resumes following the FIFA tournament.
Reported by ESPN writer Dan Hajducky, with information from The Associated Press.