FC Barcelona has clarified the background of Lionel Messi’s famous photo with Lamine Yamal as an infant, stating that this memorable moment stemmed from a UNICEF charity initiative organized by the club’s foundation in 2008.
The image, which came to light again during Yamal’s impressive displays for Spain at Euro 2024 and has been circulating widely lately, depicts a 20-year-old Messi holding Yamal, who was just a few months old then.
On Thursday, Barcelona released a statement indicating that the meeting occurred “by pure coincidence” during Joan Laporta's first term as president.
The club announced that the FC Barcelona Foundation collaborated with Sport newspaper to create its annual charity calendar, a fundraising project initiated in 2004 to benefit UNICEF and the foundation’s humanitarian efforts.
"Since 2004, an annual calendar has been produced in collaboration with Sport newspaper to generate funds for UNICEF and the charity initiatives of the Foundation. The 2008 edition focused on programs aimed at supporting children globally and featured contributions from members of the senior football team. At that time, the project was overseen by Dr. Marta Segú, who currently serves as the Foundation’s director general," the club stated.
Participants in the project included players such as Deco, now serving as Barcelona’s sporting director, along with Bojan Krkić, Rafa Márquez, and Xavi Hernández. Additionally, a young Lionel Messi, then just 20 years old and on the rise to stardom, took part in one of the sessions.
The task connected him with young Lamine Yamal and his mother, Sheila, resulting in what Barcelona referred to as a serendipitous meeting between two generations of football talent.
"Who could have predicted that the young child in the photo might later become a player who, if his potential is realized, could possibly emulate the success of the Argentinian star," the club remarked.
Barcelona also noted that this image is expected to become "one of the most iconic football photographs of all time."
On Thursday, UNICEF shared a post on X reaffirming the authenticity of a particular image and emphasizing the bond shared by the two athletes beyond their football careers.
"Yes, the photos you have seen are genuine," UNICEF stated.
"Over 18 years ago, Lamine Yamal, who was a baby at the time, and his mother Sheila encountered Lionel Messi during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot."
The organization pointed out that both players have since been appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, utilizing their influence to champion children's rights globally.
"Currently, their on-field successes inspire millions. Off the field, both Messi and Lamine Yamal leverage their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to promote and advocate for children worldwide," UNICEF added.
The organization reiterated its mission: "to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and realizes their potential."
Argentina, with Lionel Messi at the helm, is scheduled to compete against Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, as the defending champions aim to become only the third nation to successfully defend the trophy, following Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).