The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed that the widely shared photographs of Lionel Messi bathing and holding a baby Lamine Yamal were taken during a fundraising photoshoot in Barcelona more than 18 years ago.
The images, taken in 2007 at Camp Nou, have circulated on social media for several years and gained renewed attention during the 2024 UEFA European Championship, which Yamal won with Spain.
UNICEF revisited the photographs ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final, in which Argentina will defend their title against Spain at MetLife Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.
In a statement, the organisation said: “Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mum, Sheila, met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.”
UNICEF added that both players now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their platforms to advocate for children’s rights around the world.
“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world. The goal? That every child survives, thrives and fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team,” the organisation said.
The photographs were taken when Messi was 20 and had recently established himself as a first-team player at Barcelona. Yamal was five months old after his parents won a newspaper raffle that gave their son the opportunity to feature in the UNICEF campaign.
Sunday’s World Cup final will mark the first competitive meeting between Messi and Yamal.
