Messi calls upcoming World Cup final against Spain 'crazy' after childhood photo with Lamine Yalam
Lionel Messi said it was "crazy" to face Spain's Lamine Yamal in the World Cup final, recalling a 2007 photo of Messi holding Yamal as an infant, while NFL star Tom Brady called the image "very prophetic".
Argentina captain Lionel Messi described the prospect of meeting Spain in the World Cup final as "crazy" after recalling a 2007 charity photoshoot in which a 20-year-old Messi held a five-month-old Lamine Yamal. The photo resurfaced during a news conference in New York, where NFL legend Tom Brady said the picture was "very prophetic."
Messi praised Yamal, noting the Spanish forward’s rapid rise: he debuted for Barcelona at 15, inherited Messi’s number 10 shirt, helped Spain win Euro 2024 and, at 19, could become the youngest player to win both the European Championships and the World Cup. "He's one of the best in the world right now," Messi said, adding that he wishes Yamal success but that Argentina will try to prevent him from leading Spain to victory.
The conference followed a fan event attended by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Spain captain Rodri. Afterward, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni embraced his Spanish counterpart Luis de la Fuente, who had taught him during his UEFA Pro coaching licence studies. The event featured former England defender Rio Ferdinand, comedian Kevin Hart, tennis champion Novak Djokovic and NBA star Kevin Durant, while Brady engaged in a staged dispute with Logan Paul that was broken up by New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns.