Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal Viral Photo: The Untold Story Behind the Viral Photo

Some stories in the world of football are too good to be true. One such story is the incredible photo taken 15 years ago of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. This iconic image has resurfaced, sparking joy and awe among Barcelona fans. The story behind this photo is as extraordinary as it is heartwarming.

How did all this start?

The story begins in December 2007. At the time, Lionel Messi was a 20-year-old rising star at Barcelona. He had already won two La Liga titles and a Champions League, but was still emerging in a team full of legends like Ronaldinho, Xavi and Iniesta. Lamine Yamal, on the other hand, was just a six-month-old baby, completely unaware of his fate.

This photo was taken for a 2008 charity calendar organised by Barcelona’s club foundation and Catalan newspaper Diario Sport. The money raised from the calendar was donated to various charitable organisations, including UNICEF. Members of the Barcelona team were photographed with children from different families. Most of these photos are now forgotten, except for the families who treasure them as personal memories.

Historical photo

Photographer Monfort took the now famous photo of Messi and baby Yamal. He remembers that Messi was very shy, especially in front of the baby and his mother. Initially, there wasn’t much interaction, but as time went on, the bond began to show. The photo turned out to be tender and sweet, capturing a beautiful moment.

Monfort always tried to make sure that every family got a copy of the photo. This was especially important in Yamal’s case, as her mother had travelled 40 kilometres from Mataró to Barcelona with her young child. She made a lot of effort to be part of this initiative, and the photo became a precious memory.

Yamal’s rise to stardom

As of today, Lamine Yamal has become a teenage sensation. His journey from a kid in a charity calendar to a key player for Barcelona and Spain is nothing short of a miracle. Yamal made his La Liga debut in April 2023 at the age of 15 and his international debut at the age of 16. He is now a vital part of Spain’s team at the European Championship.

The picture of Messi and Yamal resurfaced when Yamal’s father, Munir Nasraoui, posted it on social media. The picture instantly went viral, leaving fans surprised to see this coincidental connection. Monfort, who is now working for Diario AS, was pleasantly surprised when a former colleague from Diario Sport contacted him about the picture.

One-in-a-million-one chance

Monfort reflected on this incredible coincidence, stressing that no one could have predicted the future greatness of both Messi and Yamal. In 2007, Messi had just started his journey, and Yamal was an innocent child. Fate played a key role in their paths meeting in this unique way.

The story is reminiscent of another famous Barcelona photo: a young Pep Guardiola applauding Terry Venables in 1986. Such photos capture more than just a moment in time; they symbolize the transfer of a footballing legacy from one generation to the next.

Legacy and memories

In today’s football world, where money and power dominate, stories like Messi and Yamal’s are a refreshing reminder of the pure and beautiful side of the game. Monfort is glad that this picture has resurfaced, bringing joy to fans and highlighting the magical connection between the past and the future.

As Yamal continues to rise in the world of football, this photo with Messi is a poignant reminder of his humble beginnings. It’s a story of luck, hard work and an incredible journey from a kid in a plastic bathtub to a star on the football field. This photo is truly worth a thousand words, capturing a moment that will be remembered for generations to come.

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