Ahead of the decisive World Cup match, Lionel Messi recalled a photo that has been actively discussed by football fans around the world in recent days, [reports](https://nos.nl/artikel/2623480-ongelooflijk-zegt-messi-in-aanloop-naar-wk-finale-over-foto-s-met-baby-lamine-yamal) NOS. The photograph was taken in 2007 during a charity event organized by the FC Barcelona football club. At that time, 20-year-old Messi participated in a photoshoot where team players posed with infants. One of them was the future leader of the Spanish national team, Lamine Yamal.  _Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Photo: Joan Monfort._  _Lamine Yamal._ > "This photo is something incredible. But that's how life is, isn't it?" Messi said at an event in New York dedicated to the upcoming final. The Argentine highly praised the talent of his future opponent. > "Right now, he is one of the best footballers in the world, even though he is only 19 years old. He already has a chance to make history. Of course, we will try to stop him and do everything to ensure he cannot show his best football. But it will be very difficult," noted the captain of the Argentine national team. Despite the fact that they will be on opposite sides in the final, Messi does not hide his admiration for the young player. > "He plays for the club that I love, and I wish him all the best. His success is also the success of Barcelona," emphasized the Argentine. The author of the famous photograph, Joan Monfort, admitted that he continues to be amazed by how the fate of the two heroes of the photo has unfolded. > "The fact that the World Cup final will take place between Messi and Yamal is better than any movie script. Back then, no one could have imagined who this baby would become. But no one knew that Messi would become one of the greatest footballers in history. Apparently, that was how fate intended it," said the photographer. Almost two decades after their chance encounter in front of the camera, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will meet as the main protagonists of the World Cup final — a legend of world football and his possible future successor.