Lionel Messi has described it as crazy that he will face Lamine Yamal in Sundays World Cup final after famously posing for a photograph with the Spain star as a baby. The iconic image, taken in 2007, shows a 20-year-old Messi holding five-month-old Yamal during a Barcelona charity photoshoot after the wingers parents won a raffle prize.Speaking during a World Cup event in New York, Messi reflected on the remarkable story.That photo is incredible, he said.The fact that were both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.Yamal has enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his Barcelona debut at the age of 15 and now wears the clubs famous number 10 shirt once worn by Messi.After helping Spain win Euro 2024, the 19-year-old is now aiming to add a World Cup winners medal to his growing list of achievements.Messi was full of praise for the teenager but made it clear Argentina will do everything possible to stop him in Sundays final.Hes one of the best players in the world right now, Messi said.I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelonas success.Well try to stop him from playing at his best. Spain have a great team, not just him.Hes a tremendous player, a global star. Hes 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but well give everything to make sure he doesnt become world champion this time.Messi appeared alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri at the event, which was hosted by former England defender Rio Ferdinand and comedian Kevin Hart.After the news conference, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni shared an embrace with Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, who was one of the instructors when Scaloni completed his UEFA Pro Licence in Spain.The event also featured appearances from NFL legend Tom Brady, tennis great Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant, who all took part in a question-and-answer session. Topics Argentina National Football Team Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup final 2026: Messi vs Yamal represents true passing of the torch moment Mitch Fretton 18th July, 2026 Spain v Argentina: Predicted line-ups, where to watch, stats and preview for World Cup final Mitch Fretton 18th July, 2026 England manager favourite Guardiola reveals what would tempt him back: I have a real connection with the UK Ben Miller 17th July, 2026 Spain v Argentina: Winners to receive rings as FIFA continues to Americanise World Cup Jon Fisher 17th July, 2026 Messi is the past and present, Yamal is the present and future Barcelona chief Laporta hails La Masia ahead of World Cup final Jon Fisher 17th July, 2026 FIFA to decide on further steps in response to insensitive Argentina banner Nicholas McGee 16th July, 2026
