Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi have been trending following a viral image featuring the two ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026.

The picture shows a nine-month-old Yamal sitting in a bathing basin while Messi places his hand around him, seemingly bathing him during a photoshoot.

Other images feature Yamal’s mother joining the two, with the Argentine great smiling at the baby as Yamal laughs back in a heartwarming moment.

Messi magic fires Argentina into the World Cup final

There were claims that the picture could be fake or AI-generated, but the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an agency that provides humanitarian aid, confirmed its authenticity.

“More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot. Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world. The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfills their potential. We are proud to have them on our team,” UNICEF posted on X.

With both players gearing up to face off in the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, many fans have been left in awe, as both appear to be performing at peak level.

Some social media users suggested that Messi “blessed” Yamal with his footballing talent, enabling the youngster to gain global fame and compete for major laurels.

Others were stunned by the coincidence, describing the story as “absolutely shocking,” while commending UNICEF for its humanitarian efforts.

Read the comments below:

I thought this photo was photoshopped

So is real??

— MN (@NgoeMotale) July 16, 2026

that's one hell of a coincidence

— Sweep (@0xSweep) July 16, 2026

19 years ago, Lionel Messi gave baby Lamine Yamal a bath. Now 19-yr-old Yamal, wearing No. 19, has a chance to return the favor—not literally, but giving Messi a footballing bath in the 2026 World Cup Final. From bathtub to football’s biggest stage: Spain beats Argentina.🛁⚽🇪🇸🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/P71VqMYQQL

— Ken Cornia (@CorniaKen) July 16, 2026

It almost looks like a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation's greatest to a future superstar, captured entirely by accident for a charity calendar in 2007.

— Idreeserh✌️ (@Nrs_Idreeserh) July 16, 2026

this is actually insane how life comes full circle like that. honestly mind blown realizing they meet again in the world cup final after all this time.

— fatz (@fatzspace) July 16, 2026

This is divine 🫡 any parent that want their child to play football and be an icon need Messi blessing . Messi is a God playing football and he has breathe his soul into Yamal 🥰💯

— @solomon spert (@SolomonSpert) July 16, 2026

This will be very interesting. If Messi wins, Yamal will learn from his senior. But if Yamal wins, we'll know whose touch it is.

— Yudistira (@sukmanugraha_) July 15, 2026

Unicef should be proud they had the most iconic paired photo of this century
The goat and his successor. pic.twitter.com/tQULhrQsFe

— Young Chels (@Youngblessi) July 17, 2026

Lionel Messi bathing Lamine Yamal during a UNICEF photoshoot 18 years ago is a beautiful reminder that Allah’s plans are beyond human understanding. What seems like an ordinary moment today can become part of a greater story tomorrow. Trust His timing He is the Best of Planners.

— Shots By A-Point (@APointVisuals) July 17, 2026

IMAGINE UNICEF Official @UNICEF becoming a witness. This level of coincidence is insane.

— Sriram (@SriramMadras) July 17, 2026