17-years-ago a 20-year-old Lionel Messi posed for photos with a baby in the dressing room of the Camp Nou in Barcelona, a moment captured for a charity calendar photoshoot.
Messi, was already beginning to carve his name into football history, destined to become one of the greatest players of all time. Little did the photographer know that the baby in his arms would also make waves in international football less than 17 years later.
That baby was Lamine Yamal, who, at 16 years old, has taken the 2024 UEFA European Championship by storm. Yamal’s sensational goal against France in the semi-final on Tuesday, a strike that will be talked about for decades, made him the youngest man to score in the tournament’s history at 16 years and 362 days. The long-forgotten photo of Messi and Yamal resurfaced after Yamal’s father posted it on Instagram last week with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”
The photoshoot, orchestrated by Joan Monfort, a freelance photographer for the Associated Press, came about through a Unicef raffle in the town of Mataró where Yamal’s family lived. “They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at the Camp Nou with a Barça player. And they won the raffle,” Mr. Monfort told the Associated Press.
The assignment wasn’t straightforward. “Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy,” Monfort said. “He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.” Despite the initial awkwardness, Messi and Yamal’s mother appeared in some of the photos, creating a moment that would later gain monumental significance.
Like Messi, Yamal went on to play for Barcelona, where he became the club’s youngest ever starter and goalscorer, as well as the youngest scorer in the Spanish league. Mr. Monfort only realized the baby was Yamal when the photo started going viral online last week. “It’s very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation,” he said. “To tell you the truth it’s a very nice feeling.”
Yamal’s history-making moment at the Euros was nothing short of genius. His goal against France, which helped propel Spain into the final, was a display of remarkable talent and composure, showcasing why many consider him a future superstar in the making. The young forward’s rise to fame mirrors Messi’s own journey from a shy genius to a global football icon.
The story of Messi and Yamal is a beautiful reminder of the unpredictable and inspiring nature of football. From a charity photoshoot to the grand stages of international tournaments, the two players have etched their names into the annals of football history. As Yamal continues to shine, the photo of him as a baby with Messi serves as a poignant symbol of destiny and the timeless connection between generations of football greatness.
A Superstar is Born
Yamal’s goal against France was not just a record-breaking moment; it was a statement of his arrival on the world stage. His quick thinking, agility, and precision stunned audiences and opponents alike, cementing his status as one of the brightest young talents in football. As he continues to develop and showcase his skills, comparisons to Messi are inevitable, but Yamal is determined to carve out his own legacy.
From Shy Genius to ‘Bad Boy’ Leader – Messi’s Qatar Transformation
While Yamal’s star rises, Messi’s journey has seen its own transformations. From the shy, introverted young player who posed with a baby for a charity calendar to the charismatic leader who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s evolution is a testament to his enduring brilliance and adaptability. His influence on players like Yamal underscores the profound impact he has had on the sport.
As the world watches Yamal’s career unfold, the photo of him as a baby with Messi will remain a cherished piece of football history, symbolizing the magic and continuity of the beautiful game.
