Before World Cup Final: Messi Talks About Legendary Baby Photo with Yamal

The 2007 Photo

"I took a photo with him back then, when he was still a baby, and now we're facing each other in a World Cup final," Messi summarized the special constellation. The photo was taken during a shoot for FC Barcelona, at which Messi was 20 years old at the time and Yamal was present as the child of a teammate or someone from the club's environment. The image shows Messi bathing the infant in a plastic bathtub – a motif that has burned itself deeply into the collective memory of the football world.

As far as can be publicly traced, Messi's appearance on 17 July 2026 (local time) was the first major documented public statement on this photo. The fact that Messi chose to speak about it specifically ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain underscores the symbolic power of the image: both protagonists now stand on the pitch as opponents, even though they have been connected through the shared picture for decades.

The contrast between the tender infant scene and the sporting present could hardly be greater. Yamal has since become one of the defining attacking players of the Spanish national team and is counted by many experts among the greatest talents of his generation. Messi, the Argentine superstar and 2022 world champion, takes the field with Argentina as title holder and aims to celebrate another World Cup triumph.

Symbolism Ahead of the Final

Sunday evening's final in East Rutherford is a highlight not only in sporting terms, but also from a media perspective. The story of the two players, inseparably linked by the baby photo, provides a narrative that goes far beyond the sporting action. For fans of both camps, the encounter is an emotional duel that is additionally charged by the personal touch.

The media interest in the photo is so great that the images from 2007 are currently appearing in all international media outlets. The image is now considered one of the most iconic photographs in world football – comparable to other moments in which very young or very old players were captured in unusual contexts.

The fact that Messi chose to speak about it specifically in New York, amid the fan fair and major media events ahead of the final, also shows the strategic character of such appearances. The Argentine used the stage to honor his opponent without losing sight of the sporting focus. His words underscore the respect that prevails between the two generations.

Sunday's Final

With kickoff on Sunday evening, the symbolic story surrounding the baby photo will culminate in a sporting comparison. Regardless of the outcome of the final, the image from 2007 remains a timeless document – and proof of how quickly an infant in a plastic bathtub can become a world-class footballer.

The duel between Argentina and Spain is part of the tournament in the USA, which is being held as the first World Cup with 48 participants. The match will be broadcast live on ZDF and MagentaTV and is considered the highlight of an already turbulent finals stage with numerous surprises and high-scoring games.