World Cup: Why Messi bathed Lamine Yamal 18 years ago – UNICEF explains viral photos

The United Nations Children’s Fund, known as UNICEF, has confirmed that the vintage photographs of Lionel Messi bathing and caring for baby Lamine Yamal were captured during a fundraising photoshoot in Barcelona.

In recent years, these inspiring and almost legendary images of Messi holding baby Yamal have gained significant traction on social media.

The pictures initially went viral during the 2024 European Championships, which Yamal participated in and won with the Spanish national team.

For the first time in their careers, both Yamal and Messi will compete against each other in the final of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina will be defending their world championship title against Spain at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 8 pm Nigerian time.

In light of the forthcoming match, UNICEF has revisited the old photographs of Yamal and Messi, highlighting that they were taken “more than 18 years ago.”

“Yes, the images you have seen are authentic. Over 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mother Sheila had the opportunity to meet Lionel Messi during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot,” the organization wrote.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world. The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team.”

The pictures were taken in 2007 at Camp Nou when Messi was only 20 years old and had recently become a regular starter for Barcelona, and Yamal was only five months old.

Yamal’s parents had won a newspaper raffle to have their son feature in the campaign.