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@NoSourcesWire Senior Writer I @NoSourcesWire National College Football Reporter I @NoSourcesWire Host | The 2003 @OhioState Invisible Poet | Ohio Boy

[The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFC]

“It was a difficult shot,” photographer Joan Monfort told The Athletic. “We can say I sweated some blood to take it."

In December 2007, Monfort took a photo of a 20-year-old Lionel Messi, who had begun his Barcelona career just over three years earlier, and Lamine Yamal — who was five months old.

It was published in a 2008 charity calendar organised by Barcelona’s club foundation and newspaper Diario Sport, with the money raised going to UNICEF and other charities around Catalonia.

As part of a yearly initiative back then, members of the Barcelona squad were photographed alongside children. Hundreds of families collaborated, and most of the photos have now been forgotten, beyond the treasured private memories of those who took part.

It just so happens that Yamal, Barca’s star of the future, was paired with Messi, who would go on to win the Ballon d’Or eight times.

📝 @dermotmcorrigan

🔗 https://t.co/HgXMGXwifv

[UNICEF @UNICEF]

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

[ESPN UK @ESPNUK]

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi still has opponents on strings 🪄🐐

[ESPN FC @ESPNFC]

With their backs against the wall yet again ...

Argentina really won all of these matches 😲

[ESPN UK @ESPNUK]

LIONEL MESSI ASSISTS BOTH ARGENTINA GOALS TO SEND THEM TO THE FINAL 🐐

GOAT!!!

[FIFA @FIFAcom]

Another @FIFAWorldCup record broken by Lionel Messi! 👏

[KanekoaTheGreat @KanekoaTheGreat]

In December 2007, a Barcelona newspaper ran a charity raffle to pick a local baby for a UNICEF calendar shoot.

The winning family brought their 5-month-old son.

The 20-year-old Barca player assigned to bathe him was Lionel Messi.

The baby was Lamine Yamal.

Nobody thought about the photo for 15 years.

Then the baby debuted for Barcelona at 15. Won the Euros at 16 while still doing homework. Took over Messi's number 10 shirt.

On Sunday they meet in the World Cup Final.

Messi is 39. It's likely his last one.

Yamal turned 19 two days ago. It's his first.

The baby Messi held in his hands is now trying to take the trophy out of them.

[The Athletic @TheAthletic]

Argentina has the chance to become the third team to win consecutive men's World Cups.

🇮🇹 Italy (1934, 1938)
🇧🇷 Brazil (1958, 1962)
🇦🇷 Argentina (2022, ?)

[ESPN FC @ESPNFC]

Smile Leo, you are going to the World Cup final ... again 🐐

[Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomes]

Wowwwwwwwwww

[Major League Soccer @MLS]

Another game. Another incredible @AFASeleccionEN win. 🇦���

LEO MESSI & ARGENTINA WILL PLAY IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL.

[Kirk Herbstreit @KirkHerbstreit]

Went from not knowing a thing 3 weeks ago about all these teams and players to being completely consumed with the World Cup!
Been an absolute blast enjoying the matches-appreciating the passion of each fanbase-and loving the world class competition!
So glad i gave it a chance with an open mind and haven’t missed a match. Cant wait for Sunday!!!
Congrats to Argentina and Spain and their fans-gonna be such an awesome build up-match-and post match scene!
Grateful for every venue hosting this event and all the passionate fans who filled the stadiums.
AWESOME! ⚽️

[Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomes]

🐐🐐🐐

[ESPN FC @ESPNFC]

This is the first time ever that the World Cup final will be between the reigning Copa América champions and the reigning European champions 🍿

[Big Cat @BarstoolBigCat]

LIONEL MESSI IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS YOU GET TO WATCH THIS!

[Dez Bryant @DezBryant]

Messi = 🐐

[Robert Griffin III @RGIII]

Messi is the Greatest of All Time.
We are BLESSED to watch a Master at his craft.

[Major League Soccer @MLS]

On the hunt. 🎯

[FIFA World Cup @FIFAWorldCup]

Spain. Argentina.

The #FIFAWorldCup Final.

[Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomes]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯