Ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has finally spoken about his iconic viral photograph with Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The image, taken in 2007 at Barcelona's stadium for a charity calendar organised by UNICEF and the Spanish newspaper Sport, shows a young Messi bathing baby Yamal. Nearly 18 years later, the two stars are set to face each other in the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Speaking at FIFA's Fanatics Fest in New York on Friday, Messi described the photo as "incredible."
"That photo is truly unbelievable. He was just a baby when we took it together, and now we're both playing in a World Cup final. It's hard to believe," Messi said.
The Argentine great also praised Yamal's remarkable rise, calling him one of the world's best players.
"He is one of the best players in the world right now. I wish him every success because his success is also Barcelona's success. But in the final, we'll do everything we can to stop him from playing at his best. Spain are an outstanding team — it's not just Lamine. But we also have our own strengths and weapons," he added.
Messi described the 19-year-old as a "global star" with a bright future ahead.
"His entire career is still in front of him, and I wish him all the best. But this time, we'll fight with everything we have to make sure he doesn't become champion," he said.
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino also admitted he was stunned when he first saw the famous photograph.
"When I first saw it, I honestly thought it had been created by AI. It didn't seem real at all," Merino said.
"Having such a picture of one of the greatest players in history with someone who could become one of the greatest in the future is incredible. I hope these two stars give us a memorable and entertaining World Cup final."
