In a remarkable twist of fate, a forgotten photo from 2007 has resurfaced, capturing a special moment between Argentine football star Lionel Messi and a baby who would grow up to become a football prodigy himself, Lamine Yamal. The photo, taken during a charity event at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium, has gone viral nearly 17 years later, highlighting the incredible journey of both players.
Lamine Yamal, now 16 years old, has made headlines by leading the Spanish national team to a 2-1 victory over France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. He is the youngest player to score for the Spanish national team and to participate in the Champions League quarter-finals, where he played for Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain. His future in football seems incredibly promising, drawing comparisons to the greats of the sport.
The photo was originally taken by freelance photographer Juan Monfort during an annual charity campaign organized by the local newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF. Monfort recalls the difficulty of the shoot, as Messi, then a shy 20-year-old, was unsure how to hold baby Lamine, who was placed in a plastic tub for the photo. Despite the initial awkwardness, the photo captured a tender moment that has now become iconic.
The photo's resurgence was sparked by Yamal's father, who posted it on Instagram last week with the caption, 'The beginning of two legends.' This post has since captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, drawing attention to the incredible parallel journeys of Messi and Yamal.
Joan Monfort, the photographer, never imagined that the baby in the photo would become a football sensation. He recalls that Messi, who was just beginning to emerge as a star, was extremely shy and cautious during the shoot. However, a rubber duck used during the session helped ease the tension, resulting in a series of heartwarming photos.
The charity event was part of a calendar project by the Barça Foundation and UNICEF, where Barcelona players posed with children for each month. The children were selected through a draw organized by UNICEF, and Lamine Yamal was one of the lucky ones chosen. His parents, Mounir Nasraoui and Sheila Ebana, were present during the shoot and could not have foreseen the future stardom of their son.
This heartwarming story of destiny and coincidence has captivated football fans, reminding us of the unpredictable and often magical nature of life. The photo not only marks a significant moment in the lives of Messi and Yamal but also serves as a testament to the power of fate and the incredible journey of two football legends.
- The charity event where the photo was taken was part of an annual campaign by Diario Sport and UNICEF, aimed at raising funds and awareness for various causes. The event involved Barcelona players taking photos with children and their families, creating memorable moments that would be cherished for years.
- Lamine Yamal's journey to football stardom began at a very young age. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks to join Barcelona's youth academy. His recent performances in Euro 2024 and the Champions League have cemented his status as one of the most promising young talents in football.
- Lionel Messi, who was 20 years old at the time of the photo, has since become one of the greatest footballers of all time. His journey from a shy young player to a global icon is a testament to his incredible talent and determination. The photo with Yamal serves as a nostalgic reminder of Messi's early days and the beginnings of his illustrious career.
- The viral photo has sparked a wave of nostalgia among football fans, many of whom have followed Messi's career from the beginning. It also highlights the importance of charity events and the positive impact they can have on the lives of those involved. The story of Messi and Yamal is a beautiful example of how a single moment can have a lasting impact, shaping the future in unexpected ways.
