FC Barcelona has revealed the remarkable story behind Lionel Messi’s famous photograph with a baby Lamine Yamal, explaining that the unforgettable moment happened during a UNICEF charity photoshoot organised by the club’s foundation in 2008.
The image, which gained global attention during Yamal’s impressive performances for Spain at UEFA Euro 2024 and has continued to trend, captures a 20-year-old Messi gently holding Yamal, who was only a few months old at the time.
In a statement released on Thursday, Barcelona said the meeting was purely coincidental and took place during Joan Laporta’s first spell as club president.
According to the club, the FC Barcelona Foundation partnered with Sport newspaper to produce its annual charity calendar, a fundraising initiative launched in 2004 to support UNICEF and the foundation’s humanitarian programmes.
The 2008 edition focused on projects benefiting children worldwide and featured members of Barcelona’s first-team squad, with the campaign overseen by Dr. Marta Segú, who now serves as the foundation’s Director General.
Several players, including Deco, Bojan Krkić, Rafa Márquez and Xavi Hernández, participated in the initiative. Messi, then one of the club’s brightest young stars, was assigned to a photoshoot that unexpectedly paired him with infant Lamine Yamal and his mother, Sheila.
Barcelona described the encounter as a unique coincidence that unknowingly brought together two generations of footballing talent.
Reflecting on the now-famous image, the club said few could have predicted that the baby in Messi’s arms would one day emerge as one of football’s brightest prospects and potentially follow in the Argentine legend’s footsteps.
The Spanish champions added that the photograph has become one of the most iconic images in football history.
UNICEF also revisited the image in a post on X, confirming that the photo was authentic and explaining that it was taken during the organisation’s fundraising campaign more than 18 years ago.
The organisation noted that both Messi and Yamal now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their influence to promote children’s rights and welfare across the world.
According to UNICEF, while both players continue to inspire millions through their achievements on the pitch, they are also committed to advocating for children and helping young people reach their full potential.
Meanwhile, Argentina, led by Messi, are set to face Spain in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, with the South American champions aiming to become only the third country to successfully defend the World Cup title after Italy and Brazil.
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