Lamine Yamal on facing Lionel Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
🗣️ “It’s difficult to describe what I’m feeling. As a footballer, playing in a World Cup final is already the biggest dream imaginable. But facing Lionel Messi… the same man who held me as a baby and was part of that famous photo when I was just six months old… makes it even more unbelievable.”
“When I was growing up, I watched Messi every week. I studied everything he did. I copied his dribbles, his movements and the way he played with so much joy. Now I’m preparing to face him in the biggest match in football. Life works in incredible ways.”
“What he’s doing at 39 years old is something the football world may never witness again. Most legends retire long before this age. Messi is still deciding World Cup matches, creating goals, leading Argentina and proving he’s still the player everyone fears the most.”
“I watched him against England and honestly, it was frightening. Argentina were behind, the pressure was enormous, and then Messi completely changed the game with two magical assists. That’s what separates him from everyone else. When football becomes impossible, he somehow finds a solution.”
“For me, he’s still the best player in the world. Age hasn’t changed his football intelligence, his vision or his ability to decide the biggest games. If anything, he’s become even calmer and more dangerous.”
“This will be the first time I ever face him on a football pitch, and I couldn’t ask for a bigger stage than the World Cup final. I’ll respect him because he’s my idol, but once the whistle blows, I’ll give everything for my country.”
“The little boy who was once in Messi’s arms is now standing across from him in a World Cup final. That’s a story I’ll cherish forever but for ninety minutes, there are no idols. There are only two teams fighting to make history.”
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
@DadeDesta The Ambassador either completely fails to understand the Tigray perspective or is so biased towards Abiy that he looks distant and openly unfriendly during his visit.
@reda_getachew Did you bother asking your new boss what he meant by bringing up the "Biafra peace process" literally hours before starting a "National Dialogue"?
Olusegun Obasanjo was a curse to his own people, and now to Ethiopia. What a cruel, dark reality for Ethiopia to have this parasite as an advisor to its genocidaire leader.
#Biafra#RememberBiafra#Ethiopia
Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at the launch of the National Dialogue, highlighted Ethiopia’s rich history, diversity, and resilient people, emphasizing that the success of the National Dialogue will be key to realizing the country’s shared aspirations for a brighter future.
#PMOEthiopia
Dawit is flexing his music taste, critique, and immaculate command of the Amharic language. Btw, it’s refreshing to hear all articulate their thoughts in የአዋቂ አማርኛ::
የሰርጌ ትዝታ አቀባበል ፡ የአስቴር አወቀና…| Arada Mazoria https://t.co/aUNJIHNZmM via @YouTube
@AbiyAhmedAli So basically you're seeking advice on how to continue the genocide primarily on the people of Tigray and maybe on any other ethnic group with a resistance?
the #TigrayGenocide
The path forward still exists:
✔️ Full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement
✔️ Withdrawal of all foreign forces
✔️ Resolution of territorial disputes
✔️ Unrestricted humanitarian access
What’s missing is political will.
#Justice4Tigray@UN_HRC@UNGeneva
"Yet the state that defeated a European army with spears and antiquated rifles in defense of the independence of its decision-making now finds itself... in the position of having its decisions on war and peace dictated from a foreign capital..."
A seemingly routine cooperation agreement reveals a much larger story.
This investigation traces how investments, military support, and diplomatic partnerships have deepened the UAE's influence over Ethiopia's strategic choices.
✍️ @Moh_Gamea investigates.
https://t.co/3Gmt9Sbjy9
#Tigray: WHO Director-General @DrTedros has donated $50,000 prize he received from the University of Michigan in March 2023 to two organizations supporting women affected by the war on Tigray, the orgs announced at a joint press conference in Mekelle on Tuesday.