Photos of Lionel Messi with 16-year-old soccer sensation Lamine Yamal as a baby have resurfaced, capturing the hearts of fans as both players achieve international success this week.
Messi and Yamal Shine on the Pitch
On Tuesday night, Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022, propelled his national team to the Copa America final with a 2-0 victory over Canada, marking his first goal of the tournament. Just hours earlier, Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score in the European Championship, securing a 2-0 win against France. Yamal, who turns 17 this Saturday, is now celebrated alongside Messi for their remarkable achievements.
A Nostalgic Connection
The players share a connection beyond their exceptional talent. Yamal, currently a rising star for FC Barcelona, is linked to Messi, who played for the club for nearly two decades. Heartwarming photos of Messi holding a baby Yamal 16 years ago have reemerged, thanks to Yamal’s father sharing one of the images on Instagram with the caption “the beginning of two greats.”
Behind the Photoshoot
Joan Monfort, a freelance photographer for The Associated Press, captured the original photos during a shoot in the visitors’ locker room at Camp Nou in 2007, when Yamal was just a few months old. Messi, then a 20-year-old Barcelona player, is seen holding Yamal in one photo and bathing him in a plastic tub in another. Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, also appears with Messi as they bathe the child together.
Charity and Community
The photoshoot was part of an annual charity drive by Spanish newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF. Monfort explained, “We made the calendar with the help of UNICEF. They did a raffle in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró where Lamine’s family lived. They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at Camp Nou with a Barca player. And they won.”
Messi’s Shyness and the Viral Sensation
Monfort recalled the challenge of the shoot, noting Messi’s initial discomfort. “Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy. He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly found himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.”
The photographer was unaware of Yamal’s presence in the photos until a friend alerted him to their viral status. Despite his extensive career, Monfort expressed excitement over the newfound attention. “It’s very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation. To tell you the truth, it’s a very nice feeling.”
Conclusion
The resurfaced photos of Lionel Messi and a young Lamine Yamal underscore a touching moment in their shared history, resonating with fans worldwide. As both players continue to make headlines with their extraordinary performances, these images serve as a nostalgic reminder of their journeys and the impact they’ve had on the world of soccer.