Lionel Messi finally responds to iconic photo with Lamine Yamal before World Cup final

As Argentina is set to face-off Spain in the 2026 World Cup, a throwback photo of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal is going viral on the internet.

In the series of snaps, the football icon is holding then-baby and now Spanish striker in what turned into an iconic photo taken back in 2007 as part of Barecelona charity photoshoot.

Amid much virality, Messi was asked about the photo at Fanatics Fest.

Former NFL player Tom Brady asked the Argentine star about the snaps, “You guys took this iconic photo, when he was a baby." 

“To be going up against one another in his first World Cup Final and potentially, hopefully not, your last, is very prophetic. What does that picture mean to you?” he inquired.

In response, Messi admitted the surprising full-circle moment, saying, "That photo with Lamine is so crazy." 

"Because, that’s life, I had a photo with him when he was a baby, and for us to be facing each other in a World Cup, as I said before, it’s crazy."

Afterward of expressing his astonishment, Messi sung praise of about Yamal, who tend to play for the same club he once played: Barcelona.

"He’s one of the best in the world at the moment without a doubt, and I wish him the best of luck because his well-being will be Barcelona’s well-being as well," he gushed.

Meanwhile, Argentina and Spain will meet on Sunday, July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, for 2026 World Cup final.