The surprising story behind the viral Lionel Messi & Lamine Yamal photo as Spaniard prepares for historic final

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal? While many would say the player is the perfect successor to Lionel Messi, the truth is the Spaniard is a history-maker in his own right. Similar to La Pulga, who was tearing it apart since his teenage, Yamal has taken football by storm.

The 16-year-old has been on fire ever since finding his first team start under former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez. Lamine Yamal has made the most of his opportunities and has translated the form into perfection for the national team. The teenager played a key role in his team’s win over France in the Euro 2024 semifinals, as he became the youngest player to score in any major international tournament.

Following the game, Lamine Yamal‘s father took to his social media handle to post an old photo that had Lionel Messi cradling Yamal as a toddler. Fans were left stunned to learn about the connection between the pair, with many claiming Yamal was always destined for greatness. However, while the throwback photo is amazing in its own right, there is an interesting story behind it.

Photographer reveals interesting story from Lionel Messi x Lamine Yamal photoshoot

According to veteran sports photographer Joan Monfort, Yamine’s family won a contest to have the baby included in the photo shoot with a Barcelona player. Monfort talked about the photoshoot in an interview stating, “Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy. He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.”

Lamine Yamal looks to make history as he steps onto the field later this week during the Euro 2024 finals. Spain will have an enormous challenge on their hand against a resilient England and Luis de La Fuente’s men will surely rely on their emerging star boy to give his best during the contest.

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