Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after a photograph captured him holding the youngster as a baby.
Speaking at the Fan Fanatics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the now-famous image, saying it was remarkable that life had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.
“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, according to ESPN.
Messi praises Yamal
Despite his admiration for Yamal’s talent, Messi said he hopes the Barcelona winger does not enjoy a memorable evening in Sunday’s final.
“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” he said.
Messi described Yamal as one of the best players in world football despite his age and acknowledged the youngster’s rapid rise.
“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.”
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The Argentina captain added that Yamal’s future remains exceptionally bright.
“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.”
Story behind the famous photograph
The widely shared photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort during a charity calendar project organised by Sport newspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona’s Camp Nou.
Years later, Yamal emerged from Barcelona’s academy to become one of world football’s brightest talents, setting up an unlikely World Cup final meeting with the player who once held him as a baby.
Monfort said interest in the image has grown significantly ahead of the final.
“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,” Monfort told The Associated Press.
High stakes for both teams
Messi enters the final in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists to help Argentina reach a third FIFA World Cup final of his career after previous appearances in 2014 and 2022.
The 39-year-old is level with France captain Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot, while Argentina are chasing a second consecutive World Cup title.
Spain, meanwhile, are seeking their second World Cup title after winning the tournament in 2010, with Yamal playing a key role in their run to the final.
Finalissima cancellation
Sunday’s showdown will also serve as the first competitive meeting between the reigning European champions and Copa América holders after a planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina was cancelled earlier this year.
The match, originally scheduled for March in Qatar, was called off because of the conflict in the Middle East, making the World Cup final the first opportunity for the two continental champions to meet.
