Messi and Yamal face off in World Cup final 19 years after charity photo

Nearly two decades after a charity photoshoot brought them together, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to face each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match marks the first competitive meeting between the two stars, who have shared an unlikely journey from a Barcelona dressing room to the sport's biggest stage.

In December 2007, then-20-year-old Messi participated in a UNICEF calendar photoshoot at Barcelona's Camp Nou, where he bathed five-month-old Yamal. Yamal's family had won a raffle organized by Catalan newspaper Sport and UNICEF to appear in the calendar. Photographer Joan Monfort captured the images, which resurfaced in 2024 when Yamal's father posted one online during the European Championship. "It is a true miracle of destiny," Monfort told BBC Sport.

Messi, now 39, described the situation as "crazy" at a press conference in New York. "I took a picture with him when he was a baby ... the fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy," he said. Messi praised Yamal as "one of the best in the world right now" but added, "We'll give it our all to ensure he doesn't become champion this time."

Yamal, 19, has become a key player for Barcelona and Spain, winning Euro 2024 at age 17. Both players are UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, with Yamal appointed in June 2026. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals, while Argentina beat England 2-1. Argentina is seeking to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, while Spain aims for its second title after 2010.