UNICEF sets record straight on iconic Lamine Yamal baby photo with Lionel Messi

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

UNICEF has confirmed that the viral photograph showing then-Barcelona star Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal is indeed genuine.

The 2026 World Cup final could hardly have been a better match-up. Reigning world champions Argentina will take on reigning European champions Spain in a clash of systems, tactical philosophies and superstars.

The well-oiled machine of Spain, who haven't really been tested since their shock opening-match draw with Cape Verde, will face Argentina, who have played with an unmatched never-say-die attitude and who have one clear objective: to give the ball to Messi and let him work his magic.

The 39-year-old megastar is still playing at a level no other player can reach, but when he takes to the field against La Roja on Sunday in what is likely to be his final match on the biggest stage of them all, he will face his heir-apparent.

Yamal, who turned 19 earlier this week, is already a European champion, two-time LaLiga winner and Ballon d'Or runner-up. Although he has not been at his best at this tournament due to injury, he will be Spain's dangerman on Sunday.

A date with destiny

Messi being pitted against the young upstart coming to take his crown in the biggest game in sports would in itself have been a storyline worthy of a Hollywood movie, but the existence of that photograph makes the entire thing just completely absurd.

Everyone has seen the picture of a young Messi bathing a baby Yamal by now, and UNICEF, the organisation behind the photoshoot, has confirmed that it is indeed 100% real.

The iconic image is just one of a series of photos taken by Joan Montfort during the shoot. Others show Messi cradling the baby, and some include Yamal's mother, Sheila.

"Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real," UNICEF wrote on its social media channels. "More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

"Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.

"The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team."

The photos were taken in the away dressing room at Barcelona's Camp Nou in 2007. At the time, UNICEF was one of the key partners of the LaLiga giants and had its logo proudly displayed on the club's famous Blaugrana jerseys.

Messi was 20 at the time and drafted in for the photoshoot, having recently established himself as a regular starter for Barcelona. When Yamal won Euro 2024 with Spain, his father, Mounir, published one of the photos of Messi and his five-month-old son on Instagram.

Mounir and Sheila, born in Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, respectively, met in Catalunya after moving there as children with their families. After Yamal was born, they entered a raffle organised by Catalan newspaper Sport and UNICEF.

The winners were paired with random Barcelona players for a photoshoot, so the fact that the young family got Messi was pure coincidence. "It is a true miracle of destiny," photographer Montford told the BBC.

"It is serendipity - when you find something extra special, so much bigger than you ever thought. If you wrote this in a film it would not seem possible."

The 58-year-old added: "I had no idea it was Lamine in the photo until one of my friends called me in 2024 and told me his father had posted it to Instagram. Messi is a really introverted guy, very timid and shy.

"He came into the dressing room and suddenly had to take these photos with a little baby - not even a kid, a proper baby and his face changed like he had no idea what to do!

"It is difficult for a young man, but Lamine was a very happy, smiley little baby. His mum Sheila helped us, she was a young girl and they were a very poor family, but they were very nice to work with.

"Messi was always a professional in these kinds of things and he adapted to the situation very quickly."

On Sunday, the two will meet again in a real date with destiny.