From Bathtub to World Cup Final: Messi Faces Off Against Yamal

New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: BARCELONA, Spain: Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.

Now those images of the longhaired Messi, his hands covered in soap suds as if anointing Yamal as soccer’s Next Big Thing, have become the most talked about — and gawked about — in the runup to Sunday’s World Cup final, when Messi’s Argentina will play Yamal’s Spain for the biggest trophy in the sport.

“I have never been a believer or thought that anything was destined to occur, but I am beginning to have my doubts. This is beyond all reasonable explanations,” Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.

Monfort, who works as a freelance photojournalist for the AP, took the photos in 2007 as part of a charity calendar produced by local newspaper Sport and UNICEF. The calendar aimed to raise awareness for children’s rights and promote charitable initiatives, showcasing the importance of community and the role of sports in bringing people together.

Luck dictated that Yamal’s mother, who appears in the calendar photo, won a raffle of families in the city of Mataró, near Barcelona, who wanted to participate. Soccer destiny then deemed that her baby boy, who would become a star for Barcelona some 15 years later, was paired up with the Argentine who would become the greatest of all time.

A tearful Messi left Barcelona in 2021 when the club was in financial trouble. His departure marked the end of an era for both the player and the club, as Messi had spent over two decades at Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer and won numerous titles, including multiple UEFA Champions League trophies and La Liga championships. Yamal erupted at the club two years later, showcasing his talent and potential at a young age. The journey is now complete, from bathtub to World Cup final, when the 19-year-old Yamal will face a Messi who is 20 years his senior.

The famous photo was forgotten until Yamal’s breakout with Spain

Monfort had no recollection of the photos until Yamal’s father posted one on social media during the 2024 European Championship, when a teenage Yamal was enjoying his international breakout and led Spain to the title. This resurgence of interest in the photograph not only rekindled memories but also highlighted the extraordinary journey both players have taken in their respective careers.

The photo went viral then. But now, with the World Cup final looming, Monfort said, interest in his photos has skyrocketed. “This has exploded all over the world, and the fact that the final is in the US has given it the extra push,” Monfort said. “And now this has culminated with the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script.” The narrative surrounding the photo has captivated fans and media alike, serving as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of sports and the connections that can form across generations.

Monfort said that he has been bombarded by queries for the photos by professional media outlets, while also seeing his images reproduced countless times on social media and the internet without any credit or compensation. This situation raises important questions about and the ethics of image sharing in the digital age, where the lines between ownership and public domain often become blurred.

Barcelona fans are torn by love of both Messi and Yamal

Like many Barcelona fans, Monfort’s loyalty is split. It is common to see children wearing both Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain shirts, as well as any Messi shirt, whether from his Barcelona years or Argentina or his current club, Inter Miami, on the city’s streets. This phenomenon reflects the deep-rooted connection that fans have with their players and the club, often leading to complex emotional ties that transcend mere allegiance to a team.

Monfort, 58, is considering traveling to see the final in New Jersey, but whether he watches it in person or at home, he said he will have trouble cheering for one team or the other. “My heart is split. I don’t know if I want Messi or Yamal to win,” said Monfort, a lifelong Barcelona supporter. This sentiment is echoed by many fans who find themselves in a similar predicament, torn between their admiration for Messi's legacy and the excitement surrounding Yamal's emerging career.

“I have an everlasting love for the best player of all time (Messi),” he said, but “Yamal has broken the mold here” and represents a new, diverse Spain, thanks to his parents from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea. Yamal’s ascent in the soccer world not only signifies a personal achievement but also embodies the changing demographics and cultural landscape of Spain, where a new generation of players is emerging from diverse backgrounds.

This World Cup final is more than just a match; it encapsulates the evolution of soccer as a global sport, where talent knows no boundaries and where stories like that of Messi and Yamal can inspire countless others. The implications of this match extend beyond the pitch, as it highlights the importance of representation and diversity in sports, encouraging young athletes from all walks of life to pursue their dreams.

The backdrop of this World Cup final is significant not just for the players involved, but for the countries they represent. Argentina, a nation with a rich soccer history, has long been associated with legendary figures like Diego Maradona and, more recently, Messi, who has become a symbol of hope and excellence for many aspiring athletes. Yamal's rise, on the other hand, signifies a shift in Spain's soccer narrative, where multiculturalism is increasingly embraced, reflecting the broader social changes within the country.

As the world watches the final, the narrative of the photo taken nearly two decades ago serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and intertwined the paths of life can be. Whether Messi or Yamal lifts the trophy, both players have already made their mark on the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of soccer players around the globe.

In conclusion, the upcoming World Cup final is not merely a sporting event; it is a celebration of the journey of two extraordinary players whose paths crossed in an unexpected yet meaningful way. The story encapsulates the beauty of soccer, where dreams are born, nurtured, and realized, often in ways that are beyond our imagination. As fans prepare for the match, they are not just supporting their teams; they are witnessing a moment in history that transcends the game itself.