Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has described it as “crazy” that he will come up against Spain’s teenage star, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after a photograph captured him holding the future football sensation as a baby.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the iconic image, saying it was remarkable how life had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.
“That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby, it’s just crazy!” Messi said, according to ESPN.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he expected an entertaining contest but hoped Yamal would not have much influence on the outcome.
“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” he added.
Messi also acknowledged Yamal’s rapid rise, describing the Barcelona youngster as one of the world’s finest players despite his age.
He said, “He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons, too.”
The Argentina captain further praised the 19-year-old, saying his future in football remained exceptionally bright.
“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time,” Messi said.
The famous photograph was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort as part of a charity calendar organised by Sportnewspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona’s Camp Nou.
Fate would later see Yamal emerge from Barcelona’s academy to become one of world football’s brightest talents before setting up a World Cup final showdown with Messi.
Monfort said the image had attracted renewed global attention ahead of Sunday’s final.
“The photo has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the U.S. has given it an extra push.
“And now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” Monfort told The Associated Press.
Messi heads into the final in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and provided four assists to help Argentina reach a third World Cup final of his career after appearances in 2014 and 2022.
The 39-year-old is level with France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot as Argentina seek to become back-to-back world champions.
Sunday’s clash also comes after a planned Finalissima between European champions Spain and Copa América holders Argentina was cancelled earlier this year.
The match, originally scheduled for March in Qatar, was called off because of the conflict in the Middle East, leaving the World Cup final as the first competitive meeting between the two continental champions.
