Lionel Messi described a photograph taken with Lamine Yamal when the young player was just a baby as "crazy," reflecting on the full-circle moment as they prepare to face each other in the World Cup final.
During Fanatics Fest in New York, Messi spoke with Tom Brady about the photo, which was taken years ago when Messi was playing for FC Barcelona. "Honestly, that photo is crazy because, well, in my life I took a picture with him when he was a baby, and today we are both facing in a World Cup," Messi said.
He added that Yamal is currently one of the best players in the world and wished him well, noting that Yamal's success would also benefit Barcelona. Messi spent 24 years with Barcelona, beginning his professional career there in 2004. He has since amassed numerous accolades, including eight Ballon d'Or awards, four FIFA World Player of the Year titles, and six European Golden Shoes. He is also a two-time World Cup Golden Ball winner.
Messi, 39, also recently became the World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer with his 21st goal, in addition to holding records for most assists and most matches won in the tournament's history.
Yamal, who rose through Barcelona's youth academy since 2014, has drawn comparisons to Messi. At 19, he is participating in his first World Cup and has scored one goal on 15 shots, created five chances, and maintained an 86% passing accuracy.
Messi acknowledged that he follows Yamal's career closely. "Lamine is a fantastic player, whom I followed a lot because he plays for a club I love, and always wish the best for," Messi stated. "He’s one of the world’s leading figures at just 19 years old. He has his whole career ahead of him, he has a great opportunity to achieve something historic, and we will try our best to make sure it doesn’t happen."
As Yamal seeks his first World Cup trophy, Messi is aiming for his second, which could be his final, after winning the tournament with Argentina in 2022.