Yamal Is Tremendous, Facing Him After Baby Photo Is Crazy — Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “just crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after an iconic photograph showed him cradling the future star as a baby.

Speaking during the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the widely circulated image, saying it was remarkable that fate had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.

“That picture with Lamine is incredible. Now we are facing each other in a final after a photo was taken of us when he was a baby. It’s just crazy,” Messi said, according to ESPN.

While anticipating an entertaining contest, the Argentina captain admitted he hopes Yamal is unable to make a decisive impact for Spain.

“We’ll try to put on a good match, but I hope he and his team don’t put on a good one,” he added.

Messi praised the Barcelona winger for his rapid development, describing him as one of the best players in the world despite his young age.

“He’s one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona’s success, but we’ll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him. We have our own weapons too.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner predicted an outstanding future for the Spanish star while stressing that Argentina’s priority is retaining the World Cup.

“He’s a tremendous player. A global star. He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time,” Messi said.

The famous photograph linking both players was taken by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort during a charity calendar project organised by Sport newspaper and UNICEF at Barcelona’s Camp Nou.

Monfort said the image had gained worldwide attention in the build-up to the final.

“The photo has exploded all over the world. Now this has culminated in the final between Messi and Yamal. It is better than any film script,” he told The Associated Press.

Messi heads into the final with eight goals and four assists, while Argentina seek to defend the World Cup title against reigning European champions Spain in what promises to be a historic showdown.