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 be the first and only match between Lionel Messi and Laimin Yamal, Barcelona has unveiled the story behind a now-viral photo of the two stars. The image shows Messi, nicknamed "the Flea," alongside Yamal, a key player for Spain, and was originally part of a 2008 charity project by the Barcelona Football Club Foundation during Joan Laporta's first presidency.

In collaboration with the Catalan newspaper Sport, the club printed annual calendars since 2004 to raise funds for UNICEF and other charitable activities. The 2008 calendar focused on supporting children worldwide and featured selected players including Deco, now Barcelona's sporting director; Bojan Krkic, who heads the football sporting area; Rafa Marquez, currently coach of Barcelona Athletic; and Xavi Hernandez, the foundation's ambassador and former first-team coach.

At the time, Messi was only 20 but already showing signs of exceptional talent. This project marked the first significant intersection of Messi's and Yamal's paths. On Sunday, they will share the field and compete directly for football's most prestigious title in the World Cup final.