Speaking during a press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s final, Messi reflected on the iconic image that has resurfaced across social media, saying football has created an incredible full-circle moment.
“That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just crazy!” Messi said.
The Argentina captain admitted he is expecting a highly entertaining contest against Spain but joked that he hopes Yamal and his teammates do not perform at their best.
“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” Messi said.
Despite preparing to face him in football’s biggest match, Messi praised the Barcelona youngster, describing him as one of the finest players in the world despite being only 19 years old.
“He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons too,” he added.
The Argentine legend also predicted a bright future for the Spanish star.
“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time.”
The famous photograph that has captivated football fans worldwide was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort during a UNICEF charity calendar event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. At the time, Messi was already establishing himself as one of football’s brightest stars, while Yamal was only a baby.
Years later, Yamal rose through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to become one of football’s most exciting young talents, setting up an unforgettable Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal showdown in the World Cup final.
Photographer Joan Monfort said the image has gained worldwide attention ahead of Sunday’s match.
“The photo has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the U.S. has given it an extra push. And now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” he said.
Messi heads into the final in outstanding form after scoring eight goals and providing four assists to guide Argentina into a third FIFA World Cup final of his career, following previous appearances in 2014 and 2022.
The 39-year-old is currently tied with France forward Kylian Mbappé in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot as Argentina seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
The final also serves as the first competitive meeting between the reigning champions of South America and Europe after the planned Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, originally scheduled for March in Qatar, was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
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