Lionel Messi reacts to renewed attention on a viral photograph showing him holding baby Lamine Yamal taken during a charity photo shoot in 2007 at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Multiple outlets report Messi describes the situation as “crazy” or “insane,” noting that he and Yamal will now meet on opposite sides in the FIFA World Cup final. Coverage links the latest comments to interviews and pre-match build-up involving figures such as Tom Brady, and emphasizes that the photo has resurfaced online ahead of the match between Argentina and Spain.

Several reports say the image first drew wider attention in 2024 when Yamal’s father shared it on social media, and that later confirmations established it as authentic, with photographer Joan Monfort citing the family’s involvement in the charity event. Now, nearly two decades after the picture was taken, the 39-year-old Messi and the 19-year-old Yamal—both stars for their countries—are set to play each other for the first time in a World Cup final. Outlets also note Messi’s praise for Yamal’s quality while stating Argentina will try to stop Spain in the final.