Old photographs of a young Lionel Messi with an infant Lamine Yamal have recently resurfaced and gone viral, coinciding with Yamal’s impressive performance at the 2024 European Championship. These heartwarming images, first shared by Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, depict Messi bathing a baby Yamal and have captivated football fans worldwide.
The viral images were taken by Joan Monfort, a freelance photographer for the Associated Press, in December 2007. At that time, Messi was a 20-year-old rising star at Barcelona, already celebrated for his talent. The photograph captures a tender moment where Messi cradles a six-month-old Yamal, who is now one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
Monfort described the experience as challenging but rewarding. “It was a difficult photo to take. Messi was very shy, and with a tiny baby and his mother, the interaction was initially quite stiff. However, as they grew more comfortable, the photos turned out beautifully,” Monfort shared with The Athletic.
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The photoshoot was part of a 2008 charity calendar, a joint initiative between Barcelona’s foundation and Diario Sport. The calendar aimed to raise funds for various charitable organizations, including UNICEF and local NGOs in Catalonia, which support vulnerable communities and children. The project featured Barcelona players alongside children, capturing sweet and candid moments that resonated with fans and contributors alike.
Lamine Yamal has made a name for himself as one of the youngest talents to watch in European football. At just 16 years and 362 days old, he became the youngest player to score in the European Championship, achieving this feat during a semi-final match against France in Munich. His journey from a young aspirant at Barcelona’s La Masia academy to an international star has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Yamal’s early years were marked by dedication and hard work. He began commuting from Mataro to La Masia at a young age, making his La Liga debut at just 15 in April 2023, followed by his international debut for Spain at 16. His rapid rise through the ranks is a testament to his talent and determination, and the resurfaced photos with Messi add a poignant layer to his inspiring story.
Reflecting on the viral photos, Monfort expressed his delight at how things have come full circle. “For Lamine to grow up to be a footballer, and to have this photo, I’m just really happy it happened. It’s especially nice in today’s football when so much has to do with money and power,” he remarked.
The rediscovered images show not just Messi’s gentle side but also highlight a unique moment in football history where two future stars shared a tender, unplanned connection. The photos of Messi, a football legend, holding a future prodigy like Yamal, have touched the hearts of fans and added a layer of sentimentality to Yamal’s emerging legacy.
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