Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
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 fulfils their potential.
We are proud to have them on our team.
Credit: Joan Monfort
messi has been one of the few constants in my life. twice a week i got to watch him and it felt like whatever was going on in the world didn’t matter for those 2 hours
2026 at 39 years old and he still gives me the same feeling. i’m weeping man
🩵🤍 Leo Messi: “We know the World Cup is something special and it helps us forget, even for a while, all the hardships one goes through”.
“There are people without jobs, people who struggle to make it to the end of the month, who are fighting every single day”.
“We love to know they are happy”.
Jude Bellingham has mastered the art of looking busy on a football pitch. The casuals love it, the analytics guys love it, I see through it. He is not elite in any sense of the word, closer to a Leon Goretzka than a Pedri or a Musiala. A 3/10 on his best day. Overrated.
So if Spain wins the World Cup then Yamal will win the Ballon D’or at 19 years of age.
If Argentina wins the World Cup then Messi will win the Ballon D’or at 39 years of age whilst playing his club football in the MLS.
No one would even be able to say anything.