FC Barcelona has provided details regarding the origins of a viral photo featuring a young Lionel Messi holding an infant Lamine Yamal. The club confirmed the image was captured during a 2008 charity project held in partnership with the newspaper Sport to support UNICEF.
The photo, which gained renewed attention during Yamal’s strong showing at Euro 2024, shows a 20-year-old Messi interacting with the baby as part of an annual calendar shoot. The club explained that the session was part of a broader effort to highlight international child support programs under the administration of Joan Laporta. Other notable figures involved in that year’s project included Xavi Hernández, Deco, and Rafa Márquez.
Barcelona described the meeting between the future stars as a coincidental moment that has since become one of the most recognized images in the sport. UNICEF verified the authenticity of the images on social media, noting that both Messi and Yamal have since evolved into influential Goodwill Ambassadors. The organization emphasized that while both men have achieved greatness on the field, they continue to use their influence to champion children’s rights globally.
