UNICEF Explains Viral Messi-Yamal Photos Ahead of World Cup Final

• UNICEF says the famous photographs of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal were taken during a fundraising campaign in Barcelona in 2007.
• The agency says both football stars now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, advocating for children’s rights worldwide.
• The clarification comes ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has clarified that the widely circulated photographs showing Lionel Messi bathing and caring for baby Lamine Yamal were taken during one of the agency’s fundraising campaigns in Barcelona.

The images, which have resurfaced repeatedly on social media over the years, gained renewed attention ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi and Yamal are set to face each other for the first time in their professional careers.

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The photographs first went viral during the 2024 UEFA European Championship, which Yamal won with Spain.

Ahead of the World Cup final, UNICEF revisited the images, noting that they were taken more than 18 years ago.

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“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mum, Sheila, met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot,” the organisation said.

UNICEF noted that both footballers have gone on to become global icons, adding that they now use their influence beyond football as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to promote children’s welfare.

“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 fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team,” the agency stated.

The photographs were taken at Camp Nou in 2007 when Messi, then 20, had recently established himself as a regular first-team player for Barcelona, while Yamal was only five months old.

According to UNICEF, Yamal’s parents won a newspaper raffle that gave their son the opportunity to feature in the charity campaign.

The clarification comes as football fans await Sunday’s World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium, where defending champions Argentina will take on Spain at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.