Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal recently shared his thoughts on a viral picture showing a baby version of himself in the arms of Lionel Messi, the club legend. The photo, originally taken in December 2007, captures a young Messi bathing Yamal as part of a charity calendar shoot in the Camp Nou dressing room.
This image reemerged nearly 17 years later when Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, posted it on Instagram in July 2024 with the caption, “The beginning of two legends.” Since then, Yamal has impressed fans with his exceptional dribbling and creativity, drawing frequent comparisons to Messi throughout his early career.
Lamine Yamal’s Reflections on the Viral Childhood Moment
Having recently turned 18, Yamal spoke candidly about the viral image and his surprise at its significance. In an interview with All About Argentina, he expressed his joy and disbelief. Yamal stated,
“The truth is I’m surprised because Messi is holding me in his arms, and I’m not even looking at him, I don’t know what I was doing, but I’m very happy to have the photo with the best player in history.”
Yamal’s early development through Barcelona’s renowned academy has now blossomed into success with the club’s first team. He was instrumental in helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble during the 2024-25 season, affirming his rapid rise at the club.
Why Photos of Young Yamal and Messi Were Kept Private
Despite the fascination with the image, Yamal revealed that his family deliberately kept these childhood photos from the public eye for years. The decision aimed to shield him from the pressure caused by inevitable comparisons to Messi during his formative years.
Fans humorously speculated that Yamal’s talent might stem from being “anointed” by Messi himself, but Yamal clarified the family’s reasoning in an interview with Jijantes:
“Obviously, in the moment the photos were taken I wasn’t conscious of what was going on at that age. My dad had the photos saved and they never came out, basically because we didn’t want the comparisons with Messi.
“No one would be annoyed to be compared with the best to ever play the game, but it’s something that could work against you because you’re never going to be like him.”
An interesting parallel between the two players is their shared left-footed skill, with Yamal now emerging as a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, highlighting the legacy connection between the two Catalan stars.
The Lasting Impact of the Connection Between Yamal and Messi
The viral Lamine Yamal viral Messi photo symbolizes the continuity of talent at Barcelona, bridging the club’s historic past and promising future. As Yamal’s career continues to flourish, the image serves as a reminder of his unique journey from a baby held by Messi to a rising star in his own right.
Looking ahead, Yamal’s growing influence at Barcelona and his potential to challenge for major individual honors suggest that this story is only the beginning of a remarkable footballing legacy connected to Messi’s enduring impact on the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. Lionel Messi has shared that he follows Roman Catholicism. He doesn’t often talk about his religion, but sometimes he mentions his belief in God and feeling thankful for his abilities.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing had a big impact on him, especially since it happened just before he turned eleven. Since then, being a committed Catholic, he honors his grandmother by celebrating his goals with a look and point toward the sky.