In the fall of 2007, when Lamine Yamal was five months old, his family won a raffle for a photoshoot with a Barcelona player as part of a UNICEF calendar. The club paired Yamal with 20-year-old Lionel Messi.
The photographer said Messi is introverted and shy, and was not sure how to hold the baby at first. The photoshoot included pictures of Messi bathing Yamal in a plastic tub.
Yamal’s father posted one of the photos during the European Championship two years ago, writing “The beginning of two legends.” Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history as Spain won the title.
Now Yamal and Messi will meet in the World Cup final on July 19. When shown the photo after Spain’s semi-final win, Yamal said he hoped to face Messi in a final.
Lamine Yamal to Face Lionel Messi 20 Years After Viral Baby Photo
In 2007, when Lamine Yamal was six months old, his family won a raffle for a charity photoshoot for UNICEF and Barcelona’s Diario Sport. The photoshoot was part of a calendar fundraiser. Messi, then 20, was the player assigned to take photos with the baby.
The photographer said Messi is introverted and shy. He was not sure how to hold the baby at first. The photoshoot included Messi bathing Yamal in a plastic tub.
Yamal’s mother also appeared in the photos. The photos resurfaced during Euro 2024 when Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in Euros history.
Now, nearly 20 years later, Messi and Yamal will meet in the World Cup final. The article notes that Messi was a budding star at the time with one World Cup appearance, and Yamal is now the young star with a lot to prove.
Spain vs Argentina: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Preview
Spain and Argentina will meet in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. The match will be broadcast on FOX at 3 p.m. ET.
Argentina are the defending World Cup champions and have also won the last two Copa América titles. They are attempting to win their fourth consecutive major tournament. Lionel Messi has been central to their success. He has scored five of Argentina’s goals and assisting others. Argentina have been vulnerable at times but have also excelled.
Spain won Euro 2024 and have been undefeated in their last 14 major tournament matches. They have conceded just one goal in seven World Cup games. Their system is built on possession and defensive organisation. Rodri is the key player who connects midfield and attack. The attack is led by 19-year-old Lamine Yamal and veteran Mikel Oyarzabal. Coach Luis de la Fuente has built a team that is difficult to break down.
The match has no clear favourite. Both teams are led by global stars and are well-prepared. The winner will be a worthy champion.
Spain vs Argentina Head-to-Head
Spain and Argentina have played 14 times. Each team has won six matches and two have ended in draws. Their only World Cup meeting was in 1966, when Argentina won 2-1. Sunday’s final will be their first World Cup elimination match.
The last meeting between the two teams was in March 2018, when Spain won 6-1. Both teams have been transformed since then. Argentina have won two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup. Spain have won Euro 2024.
Argentina reached the final by beating England 2-1 in the semi-finals. Spain reached the final with a 2-0 win over France. Spain have conceded only one goal in seven matches.
The final will be the first on-field meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament. Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain’s attack with five goals.
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Fox will broadcast the match in English and Telemundo in Spanish. The winner will break the 6-6 tie in the all-time series. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title. Argentina are seeking their fourth and a chance to become the first team to repeat since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
FAQs
Q. Did Lionel Messi baptize Lamine Yamal?
A. No. Messi only took part in a UNICEF charity photoshoot with him as a baby.
Q. When is the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final?
A. The final will be played on July 19, 2026.
Q. How many times have Spain and Argentina played each other?
A. They have played 14 matches. Both teams have six wins and two matches ended in draws.
Q. Why is the 2026 World Cup final special?
A. It will be the first senior on-field meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
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