Insane: Lionel Messi recalls the story of the iconic Lamine Yamal bathtub picture with Tom Brady

World Cup Final Argentina vs. Spain will have a subplot as Lionel Messi takes on Lamin Yamal in New York on Sunday 19 July. Considered to be the best players of their generations, both men came through the famous La Masia academy in Barcelona and were the driving force behind their respective teams at the World Cup.

However, the history between the two men goes back much further, as nearly 20 years ago, Messi met Yamal in what is now an iconic image in football history. An introverted young Messi met Yamal, who was an infant at the time, at a UNICEF photo shoot. And now the two will compete for the biggest prize in international football.

So at Fanatics Fest, Messi was asked about the picture of American football legend Tom Brady’s bathtub and the prospect of going against Yamal on Sunday. It’s safe to say that Messi’s response echoed the same sentiment as everyone around the world – just pure amazement.

“The photo with Lamin, now we’re facing the final after the photo was taken when he was a kid,” Messi told seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady. “It’s just crazy.

MESSI OUT STOP YAMAL

While Messi has praised Yamal and admitted he is following the Spanish sensation’s progress, he wants to stop his wonderkid Barca from winning the World Cup.

“Lamine is really amazing,” Messi said. “I’ve watched him a lot because he plays for a club I love so much. He has a chance to achieve something historic – we’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen this time.”

History beckons for both men as Messi is one win away from becoming the first captain to lift back-to-back World Cup trophies. Yamal has a chance to become the second youngest player to start and win a World Cup final.

“We will try to play a good game, but I hope he and his team don’t play a good game,” Messi said.

All eyes will be on Messi and Yamal to see who will be the man of the match in Sunday’s World Cup final.

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Published on:

18 Jul 2026 09:44 IST