Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentinian national soccer team, described as "crazy" the prospect of facing Spain's Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final, given a photograph taken of them years ago when Yamal was an infant. The image surfaced after Yamal's impressive performance for Spain.
In 2007, Messi, then 20, participated in a charity photoshoot with Barcelona where he held five-month-old Lamine Yamal. NFL star Tom Brady, speaking with Messi during a news conference in New York, referred to the photos as "very prophetic."
"That photo is incredible," Messi told reporters. "The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy." He added that Yamal, who has inherited the number 10 shirt from Messi at Barcelona and debuted for the club at 15, is "one of the best in the world right now."
Yamal, now 19, was a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 victory and could become the youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup. "I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona's success," Messi said. "We'll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him."
Messi acknowledged Yamal's talent, calling him 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."
Messi attended a fan event on Friday alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri. The event also featured former England defender Rio Ferdinand and actor Kevin Hart as hosts, with tennis legend Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant among those asking questions. During the event, Brady and Logan Paul engaged in a public disagreement, reportedly requiring intervention from New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was seen hugging Spain counterpart Luis de la Fuente after the news conference, recalling their past connection during coaching license courses.