Lionel Messi's 2007 Photo with Baby Lamine Yamal Confirmed Real by UNICEF
Yahoo Sports • • general
Key Points:
- An iconic 2007 photograph shows a young Lionel Messi holding and baptizing infant Lamine Yamal, sparking social media speculation about its authenticity ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup final clash.
- The image was part of a UNICEF charity calendar project pairing Barcelona players with local babies to raise funds, with Yamal’s family randomly selected for the photoshoot.
- UNICEF and photographer Joan Monfort have confirmed the photo is genuine, dismissing claims that it is AI-generated, and highlighted the remarkable coincidence of the future soccer stars' connection.
- Messi has publicly acknowledged the image, praising Yamal as one of the best rising talents and reflecting on the "crazy" nature of the moment captured years ago.
- The photo symbolizes a unique moment in soccer history, capturing the future greatness of Yamal in the hands of one of the sport's all-time legends.
