In the upcoming World Cup final, Lionel Messi will face off against Spain’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, marking a significant rematch 19 years after their initial meeting. Back in 2007, Yamal’s parents, Mounir Nasraoui and Sheila Ebana, won a contest to meet a Barcelona player when their son was just five months old. To their surprise, the player turned out to be Messi, then a 20-year-old rising star for both Barcelona and Argentina, who had recently triumphed over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
The heartwarming encounter between Messi and the infant Yamal was captured in a series of photographs by Joan Monfort. These photos resurfaced when Yamal contributed to Spain’s victory in Euro 2024, with his father sharing one image online accompanied by the caption “The beginning of two legends.”
The images depict a delighted Messi cradling and caring for the tiny baby boy, who would later follow in his footballing footsteps. Monfort described the meeting as a stroke of destiny, highlighting the extraordinary connection between the two individuals.
The unique photoshoot took place in the away dressing room at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, where Yamal’s family, originally from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, had the opportunity to meet Messi through a competition organized by a Catalan newspaper in partnership with Barcelona and Unicef.
Reflecting on the memorable encounter, Monfort recalled how Messi, known for his reserved nature, adapted quickly to the unfamiliar situation of posing with a young infant. Despite initial hesitations, Messi approached the photoshoot professionally, showcasing his adaptability and kindness.
As Messi continued his successful career, transitioning from number 19 to the iconic number 10 jersey at Barcelona, Yamal has also made significant strides in the football world. Celebrating his 19th birthday, Yamal has achieved remarkable success, clinching numerous titles and accolades at a young age, including scoring 56 goals and securing multiple league championships.
Yamal, whose full name is Lamine Yamal Naraoui Ebana, pays tribute to individuals who supported his family during challenging times by incorporating their names on his football jerseys. Raised in Rocafonda, a modest neighborhood near Barcelona, Yamal remains grateful for his parents’ sacrifices and unwavering support in his football journey.
The touching story of Messi and Yamal serves as a testament to fate and the enduring impact of early encounters, resonating with fans and football enthusiasts alike.