Barcelona Reveals Story Behind Iconic Messi and Yamal Photo Ahead of 2026 World Cup Final

Three days before the 2026 World Cup final, which will likely mark the first and possibly last match between Lionel Messi and Anssumane Fati Yamal, a historic photo of the two stars has gone viral again. Barcelona has now disclosed the background of this famous image, which dates back to 2008 during Joan Laporta's first term as club president. The photo was part of a project by the Barcelona Football Club Foundation in collaboration with the Catalan newspaper Sport, which annually published calendars since 2004 to raise funds for UNICEF and the foundation's charitable activities.

The 2008 calendar focused on supporting children worldwide, featuring players selected by the foundation and its partner charities. Among those chosen were Deco, now Barcelona's sporting director; Bojan Krkic, who coordinates the football department; Rafa Marquez, currently coach of Barcelona Athletic; and Xavi Hernandez, the foundation's ambassador and former first-team coach. The image captured the first intersection of Messi, then just 20 years old but already showing exceptional talent, and Anssumane Fati Yamal.

On Sunday, these two will share the field and compete head-to-head for football's most prestigious title. The photo symbolizes the crossing of their paths years before their anticipated showdown at the World Cup final in 2026.