Lionel Messi described the juxtaposition of a nearly 20-year-old charity photoshoot, where he bathed Lamine Yamal as an infant, with their upcoming clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as "insane."
Messi, speaking to Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest, expressed his disbelief at the situation, noting, "That picture with Lamine, now we are facing in a final after a photo was taken of when he was a baby." The photograph was taken by freelance photographer Joan Monfort during a promotional charity event when Messi was 20 years old.
Now, nearly two decades later, Messi's Argentina is set to face Yamal's Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. Messi acknowledged his admiration for the young Spanish star, who plays for FC Barcelona, a club Messi himself starred for from 2000 to 2021.
"Lamine is truly amazing," Messi said. "I've followed him a lot because he plays for a club I love so much. He has a chance to achieve something historic — we're going to try to make sure that doesn't happen this time."
Both players are on the cusp of historic achievements. Messi has the opportunity to become the first player to win back-to-back World Cup titles as captain. Yamal could become the second-youngest player to win a World Cup final as a starter. Their paths to these milestones converge on the pitch.
"We'll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don't put on a good one," Messi remarked. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX and FOX one.