From baby in Messi’s arms to World Cup rival: Yamal set for historic Spain Vs Argentina final

FEMI FABUNMI

Football fans around the world are set for a remarkable full circle moment as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal prepare to face each other in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19 in New Jersey.

The highly anticipated clash will see Argentina captain Messi lead the reigning world champions against a Spanish side inspired by teenage sensation Yamal.

What makes the encounter even more special is a connection between the two stars that dates back nearly two decades.

In 2007, during a charity calendar photoshoot at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, a 20 year old Messi posed with a five month old Yamal. The photoshoot was organised after Yamal’s family was selected through a raffle in the Roca Fonda neighbourhood of Mataró, Spain.

Photographer Joan Monfort captured the memorable images, which showed the young Messi holding and interacting with baby Yamal. At the time, neither could have imagined that the infant in the photographs would one day grow into one of football’s brightest talents and eventually share the biggest stage in world football with the Argentine legend.

Nineteen years later, the story has taken an extraordinary turn. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, is seeking another crowning achievement with Argentina, while Yamal is aiming to lead Spain to World Cup glory and further cement his status as one of the game’s rising superstars.

The final has already generated huge excitement among football supporters, but the unique history linking both players has added an emotional layer to the occasion.

From a charity calendar photoshoot in Barcelona to a World Cup final in the United States, the journey of Messi and Yamal has become one of football’s most fascinating stories, setting the stage for a memorable showdown on July 19.