The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed the authenticity of the viral vintage photographs showing a young Lionel Messi bathing and caring for an infant Lamine Yamal. The organization’s statement comes at a historic crossroads, as both football stars are set to face each other on the pitch for the first time ever in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The legendary images originally took social media by storm during the 2024 European Championships, where Yamal rose to global prominence while helping Spain secure the trophy. With the two generational talents now prepared to battle for football’s ultimate prize, UNICEF revisited the heartwarming campaign shot over 18 years ago.
“Yes, the images you have seen are authentic. Over 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mother Sheila had the opportunity to meet Lionel Messi during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot. Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions.” UNICEF wrote.
From a newspaper raffle to the world’s biggest stage
The historic encounter took place in 2007 inside the locker rooms of Camp Nou. At the time, Lionel Messi was a rising 20-year-old talent who had just cemented his place as a regular starter for Barcelona, while Yamal was just a five-month-old infant. Yamal’s parents had earned the opportunity after winning a charitable raffle organized by a local newspaper.
Nearly two decades later, both players have come full circle. Off the pitch, both Messi and Yamal continue to collaborate as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their massive global platforms to advocate for children’s welfare worldwide.
On the pitch, however, they will lock horns this Sunday at the MetLife Stadium as Messi’s Argentina looks to defend their world championship title against Yamal’s soaring Spanish side. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm Nigerian time.
