Here’s the latest update from the ongoing FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-18 03:32:00.
Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, referred to a nostalgic photo of him bathing Lamine Yamal back in 2007 as “incredible.” He praised the young Spanish winger ahead of the 2026 World Cup final set for Sunday.
“That photo is incredible,” Messi expressed on Friday. “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.”
The heartwarming image was captured during a charity event at the FC Barcelona stadium, organized by the local newspaper Sport and UNICEF. Yamal, who has risen to stardom with Barcelona, was paired with Messi for the calendar shot.
The Journey to the Final
The football journey has now led both players to the grand stage of the World Cup final. In this matchup, the 19-year-old Yamal will face the 39-year-old Messi for the first time at the international level.
“He’s one of the best in the world right now,” Messi said at FIFA’s Fanatics Fest in New York. “I wish him luck but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a fantastic team, not just him. We have our own strengths too.”
Messi also remarked on Yamal’s potential, stating, “He’s a tremendous player and a global star. At just 19, he has a bright future ahead. However, we’ll put our all into ensuring he doesn’t become champion this time.”
The Impact of the Photo
Photographer Joan Monfort, who took that iconic shot, noted a surge in interest surrounding his work. “The photo has exploded globally, and the final’s setting in the U.S. has provided an extra boost,” Monfort told The Associated Press. “The culmination of this matchup between Messi and Yamal is better than any film script.”
Mikel Merino, a teammate of Yamal’s on the Spain national team, was also astonished by the photo. “I thought it was AI when I first saw it,” he admitted. “It’s unbelievable that two of the greatest players are linked in this way. We’re hoping for an exciting final with both at their best.”
Messi, who has already scored eight goals and provided four assists, is making his third World Cup final appearance, following 2014 and 2022. Currently tied with Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot, Argentina aims to secure back-to-back championships.
Originally, Spain and Argentina were scheduled to meet in the Finalissima before the World Cup, but that match was canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
FAQs
What did Messi say about the photo with Yamal?
Messi called the photo “incredible” and noted how surreal it is that they are both in the World Cup now.
What is Yamal’s age compared to Messi’s?
Yamal is 19 years old, while Messi is 39, making this an intriguing generation matchup in the final.
Key Facts
- Category:
- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-18 03:32:00
Read more on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.
Tags: #Messi #viral #Yamal #baby #photo #Incredible #playing #World #Cup #final
Tags: #Messi #viral #Yamal #baby #photo #Incredible #playing #World #Cup #final
