Messi says it's 'crazy' he met, bathed baby Lamine Yamal
Lionel Messi reflected on the surreal experience of facing Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final, nearly 19 years after he held and bathed Yamal as an infant during a charity photoshoot. The two players are now set to compete against each other on the world's biggest stage.
Why it matters
This human-interest story highlights the longevity of Messi's career and the rapid rise of young talent in professional soccer.
Hear this story NEW YORK — Lionel Messi said it's "crazy" he first met Lamine Yamal when Yamal was an infant and now, almost 19 years later, is facing him in a World Cup final.
Photos of Messi holding Yamal and giving him a bath during a charity photoshoot have been making the rounds since Argentina and Spain advanced to the final on Sunday, July 19.
"I did the photo when he was a baby and to face him in the World Cup, it’s crazy," Messi said Friday, July 17, during an appearance at Fanatics Fest with Argentina teammate Emi "Dibu" Martinez and coach Lionel Scaloni and Spain's captain Rodri and coach Luis de la Fuente.
"But he’s without a doubt one of the best of the world right now."
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