When life comes full circle: Messi faced Barcelona player in FIFA WC semi-finals he once bathed in 2007 | Trending
PTC News Desk: Nineteen years ago, Lionel Messi became part of a moment that seemed ordinary at the time but would later become one of football's most remarkable stories. Now, that story has come full circle.
Argentina reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a thrilling 2-1 win over England. Although 39-year-old Messi did not score, he produced two brilliant assists late in the match, once again showing why he remains the driving force behind the defending champions.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi and Argentina storm into another WC final defeating England
In the final, Argentina will face Spain, led by teenage star Lamine Yamal, who has impressed throughout the tournament with his fearless displays. While Messi is aiming to win another World Cup title, Yamal is hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in his young career.
A football star in the making
The story between the two began in 2007. A 20-year-old Messi took part in a UNICEF charity calendar photoshoot organised by the Catalan newspaper Diario Sport. During the shoot, Barcelona players were paired with local families, and Messi was asked to pose with a baby named Lamine Yamal. He even held and bathed the baby for a series of photographs, unaware that the child would one day become one of football's biggest stars.
The photos remained largely unknown until 2024, when Yamal's father shared them on social media. They quickly went viral after fans realised that the baby in Messi's arms had grown up to become Barcelona's rising star.
Since then, Yamal has lived up to the hype. Despite still being a teenager, he has broken several records for both club and country. His skill, vision, dribbling ability and maturity have made him one of the standout players at the World Cup, with many calling him the future face of football.
Now, football fans are set to witness a special World Cup final. On one side is Messi, one of the greatest players in history, chasing another World Cup title. On the other is Yamal, a young star hoping to begin a new era. Their careers may be separated by nearly 20 years, but they are connected by a photograph taken long before either of them knew what the future would hold.
- With inputs from agencies
