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
82 minutes into the Argentina - Egypt game you were already dancing, only to watch Messi execute a masterclass
85 minutes into the Argentina - England game, you were already drafting your banter posts, only to witness another Messi masterclass
Is it until you die of High BP?
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.
Half the year gone as of last week is a better prompt than “New Year’s resolutions” ever was.
You have real data now on what you actually did, not what you hoped you’d do.
10 - 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi in 2026 is the only player to do the following in a FIFA World Cup (since 1966):
Create 10+ chances (15)
Complete 10+ dribbles (10)
Make 10+ through balls (11)
Win 10+ fouls (13)
🔟 Diez.
I have officially retired from defending Cristiano Ronaldo.
The workload became unbearable.
Every week Messi submits fresh evidence...It's been an honor fighting beside you.
But we've reached the stage where Messi doesn't even argue anymore...
He simply uploads evidence.
Every weekend my agenda expires.
Please don't look for me.
By the time you read this, I'll be somewhere learning how to say "ANKARA MESSI"
Signed: A Mentally Exhausted Former Ronaldo Fan.
Reason for resignation: Repeated exposure to football witchcraft.
The Supreme Court reinstating ADC’s leadership faction is being sold as a win for opposition unity. Read it more carefully: it’s a win for legal standing, not political cohesion. Those are very different victories nine months out from an election.
Federal High Court upholds David Mark's leadership of ADC, ruling the dispute was an internal party matter beyond judicial intervention. https://t.co/1yMYUO0hJT