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Lionel Messi reflects on meeting Lamine Yamal as a baby

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 12:12 AM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

Lionel Messi reflects on meeting Lamine Yamal as a baby

Summary

Lionel Messi spoke at Fanatics Fest on July 17, discussing his encounter with Lamine Yamal when the latter was a five-month-old infant. Messi called it 'crazy' to now be facing Yamal in a World Cup final as both players represent their countries. Photos from a charity photoshoot in 2007 have resurfaced, showing Messi holding Yamal during the shoot. Yamal, who made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2023, is praised by Messi as one of the top players.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi met Yamal as a baby during a 2007 charity event.
•Photos of their past encounter sparked renewed interest after Spain's World Cup final appearance.
•Yamal debuted for Barcelona's senior team in 2023 at just 15 years old.
•Messi acknowledged Yamal's potential, saying he is among the best players currently.

Latest Updates

3:51 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi reacts to 'crazy' photo with baby Lamine Yamal
12:12 AMYahoo Sports — Messi says it's 'crazy' he met, bathed baby Lamine Yamal

What they're saying

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"I did the photo when he was a baby and to face him in the World Cup, it's crazy," Messi said July 17, during an appearance at Fanatics Fest.
— Yahoo Sports