17.07.2026 09:01
Photos of Lionel Messi with a baby, taken years ago, have resurfaced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The baby in the controversial social media images has been confirmed to be Spanish star Lamine Yamal, according to an official statement from UNICEF. It was stated that the photos were taken in 2007 as part of a joint charity campaign by UNICEF and the Barcelona Foundation.
The fact that Spain and Argentina, who advanced to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face each other on July 19 has brought back photos of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal taken together years ago. The claim that the baby in Messi's lap in the rapidly spreading images on social media is Lamine Yamal attracted great attention.
CONFIRMATION FROM UNICEF
Following the debates over the photos, UNICEF made an official statement confirming that the images are real.
The statement said, "Yes, the photos you see are real. More than 18 years ago, when Lamine Yamal was a baby, he and his mother Sheila came together with Lionel Messi in a photo shoot organized for UNICEF."
UNICEF also emphasized that today both Messi and Lamine Yamal work as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to improve children's lives, stating, "While their achievements on the field inspire millions, they also use their voices off the field to advocate for children's rights. We work together so that every child survives, thrives, and reaches their potential. We are proud to have them on our team."
TAKEN IN 2007
It was noted that the photos in question were taken in December 2007 as part of a charity campaign jointly organized by UNICEF and the Barcelona Foundation. Photographer Joan Monfort stated that a draw was held in the neighborhood where Yamal's family lived for the campaign, and the winning family participated in the shoot.
During the shoot, Lionel Messi was 20 years old. Lamine Yamal, who was only 5 months old, appeared in front of the camera with his mother Sheila Ebana.
YAMAL: I HOPE WE MEET IN THE FINAL
After Spain advanced to the World Cup final, Lamine Yamal was shown the photos taken with Messi years ago. The young star said, "Yes, I've grown a bit, I suppose Leo has too. I hope this happens. I would really love to face Messi in a World Cup final."
Thus, it was confirmed by UNICEF's statement that the baby in the photos that have been circulating for years is indeed Lamine Yamal.