UNICEF has verified that the iconic images showing a young Lionel Messi bathing infant Lamine Yamal were part of a 2007 charity project. These photos resurfaced online during the 2024 European Championships, where Yamal achieved success with the Spanish squad.
The organization explained that the session took place at Camp Nou when Messi was a 20-year-old rising star at Barcelona and Yamal was a five-month-old baby. Yamal’s family participated in the event after winning a local newspaper raffle.
With Argentina and Spain set to face off in the 2026 World Cup final this Sunday at 8 pm Nigerian time, the history behind these pictures has garnered renewed interest. UNICEF confirmed the authenticity of the images, noting that both athletes now serve as Goodwill Ambassadors.
The charity emphasized that beyond their professional rivalry, both men remain dedicated to advocating for children’s rights. Their partnership with UNICEF aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
