Messi recalls meeting Yamal as a baby before World Cup matchup
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 11:40 PM
Last updated Jul 15, 2026
Lionel Messi reflects on a past encounter with Lamine Yamal during a recent event. He picked up Yamal as a baby nearly two decades ago, unaware that they would eventually face each other at the World Cup. Their upcoming match is set to bring together generations of talent on the same field. This unique backstory adds an intriguing layer to their World Cup meeting. The expectations are high as both players prepare for the competition ahead.
- •Lionel Messi met Lamine Yamal as a baby
- •They will face each other in the World Cup
- •Messi's reflection adds depth to their matchup
- •Yamal represents a new era of players
- •The match holds significant historical context
- 12:07 AMESPN Soccer — Messi first met Yamal as a baby. Their next meetin...
"Little did Lionel Messi know when he picked up the baby Lamine Yamal two decades ago that he was holding a future World Cup final opponent in his arms.
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