Captured almost two decades back in a timeless instant, young Lionel Messi showered an infant, who was grinning happily, in a little plastic bathtub at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. The child was none other than Lamine Yamal. Fast forward to today, where 39-year-old Messi will guide Argentina while Yamal, aged 19, will lead the charge for Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday in MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
This is no internet myth. The photographs are verified, documented, and confirmed by UNICEF, the Associated Press, photographer Joan Monfort, and multiple major outlets.
In autumn 2007 reports pinpoint December for the calendar published in 2008 FC Barcelona, Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, and UNICEF teamed up for an annual charity calendar. Through the project, club players collaborated with locals through their families to help collect money for the welfare of the children. Half of the money collected would be donated to UNICEF.
The family of Yamal from Rocafonda in Mataró won a local UNICEF draw. The baby Lamine born on July 13, 2007, was between five and six months old. His mother, Sheila Ebana accompanied him during the meeting at the visitors locker room of Camp Nou. Messi, still relatively shy with long hair during his early rise at Barça, was the assigned player.
Photographer Joan Monfort recalled the scene. He brought a plastic tub from home and a yellow rubber duck belonging to his daughter Jana to ease the tension.
“It was a difficult photo to take,”
Monfort told The Athletic.
“Messi is still shy; he used to be even shyer at the beginning of his career…But it happened gradually.”
The most viral image shows Messi helping bathe the baby with his mother present. Other shots capture him holding Yamal. The calendar featured other stars like Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta, and Ronaldinho with different children.
The images remained private until Yamal’s rise to fame at Euro 2024. His father, Mounir Nasraoui, posted them on his Instagram page in July 2024, adding the caption:
“The beginning of two legends.”
They were then shared once again on social media in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The coincidence appears to go beyond the two young footballers’ meeting in the tub, as Messi has been supporting UNICEF’s programs for children for many years. He became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2010, and since 2004, he has been actively involved in raising awareness and money for children in need. In June 2026, Yamal became one of UNICEF’s youngest Goodwill Ambassadors, promoting children’s right to play and providing support in emergency situations, including armed conflicts.
Although nearly two decades have passed since the images were taken, the media outlets have reacted to the coincidence with great enthusiasm, calling it a full-circle story. Indeed, it is hard to deny the symbolism of two La Masia graduates meeting in a children’s hospital and subsequently becoming global football superstars. Their paths crossed again on the pitch, where they are set to perform in the biggest football match of them all.
The story is inspiring, not only because it involves two footballers but also because it highlights the importance of UNICEF’s work. After all, it all started with Messi’s decision to support a fundraiser.
