Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal Set for Historic 2026 World Cup Final Clash

The Origins of the Viral 2007 Bathtub Photo

The images that have captivated fans globally originated from a 2007 charity calendar project produced by the local newspaper Sport and UNICEF at the FC Barcelona stadium. Photographer Joan Monfort, a freelance photojournalist for the Associated Press, was assigned to pair various Barcelona players with children. Luck dictated that Yamal’s mother, who appears in the calendar photo, won a raffle of families in the city of Mataró, near Barcelona, who wanted to participate.

Monfort described the experience of looking back at the images of the long-haired Messi, his hands covered in soap suds as if anointing Yamal as soccer’s Next Big Thing. I have never been a believer or thought that anything was destined to occur, but I am beginning to have my doubts. This is beyond all reasonable explanations, Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.

For more on this story, see The Prophetic Photo: Lionel Messi Bathing Baby Lamine Yamal Before World Cup Final Clash.

Messi and Yamal on the World Cup Final Matchup

The convergence of the two players at the 2026 World Cup final has drawn comments from both stars. Speaking Friday at FIFA’s Fanatics Fest in New York, the 39-year-old Messi reflected on the imagery that now defines their shared history. That photo is incredible, Messi said. 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.

This follows our earlier report, Luis de la Fuente on World Cup Final: Messi, Lamine Yamal and the “Helicopter Nerve.

During the same news conference, NFL legend Tom Brady called the photos very prophetic.

While acknowledging the unique narrative, Messi remained focused on the competitive stakes. Lamine Yamal, now 19, made his Barcelona debut at 15. He helped Spain win Euro 2024 and could become the youngest player to win the European Championships and the World Cup. Messi acknowledged his opponent’s status, stating, He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success.

Despite the history between them, Messi emphasized the professional challenge ahead. 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, Messi said. 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.

Read also: Spain Manager Confirms Lamine Yamal’s Fitness Ahead of World Cup Final.

Messi attended the fans’ event on Friday alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The final represents the first time the two players will face each other at the international level, completing a journey that began in a plastic bathtub in 2007.