Yes, Lionel Messi did bathe Lamine Yamal. The image captures a moment from late 2007 when the 20-year-old Messi participated in a charity event, gently washing the infant Yamal in a plastic tub. What was then a routine photoshoot for a UNICEF calendar has since become one of the most iconic images in modern football history.
How the photo was taken
In late 2007, the Catalan sports newspaper Sport and UNICEF organized a charity calendar project. The initiative paired first-team FC Barcelona players with infants from local families in the region. Families from areas like Mataró and Badalona were invited to bring their babies to Camp Nou for the session.
Lamine Yamal, born in July 2007, was just a few months old at the time. His family participated in the casting call, and by chance, Messi was assigned to photograph with the baby. The shoot took place in the away dressing room area of the stadium. According to photographer Joan Monfort, the atmosphere was lighthearted but slightly chaotic, as Messi was not accustomed to handling newborns. He was shy and awkward, but he obliged, smiling at the infant while Monfort captured the image.
From archive to viral sensation
For nearly two decades, the photograph sat quietly in archives, known only to club historians and local journalists. It gained global attention in mid-2024, coinciding with Lamine Yamal's rise to stardom with Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, shared the rediscovered images on social media, sparking an immediate reaction online.
The internet quickly embraced the photo as a piece of football folklore. Fans drew parallels between the two players, noting that both are left-footed wingers who broke records at Barcelona. The image was dubbed a "baptism" or a symbolic passing of the torch. As Yamal continued to shatter records for youngest goalscorers and appearances, the photo resurfaced repeatedly, cementing its status as a mythic artifact in the sport's culture.
The similarities between the two players
The viral nature of the photo is fueled by the striking similarities in the careers of Messi and Yamal. Both emerged from La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy. Both are left-footed players who operate primarily on the right wing, cutting inside to shoot with their preferred foot. This shared technical profile makes the image feel less like a random coincidence and more like a destined lineage.
- Age gap: Messi was 20 years old in 2007; Yamal was an infant.
- Position: Both are left-footed right wingers.
- Club: Both are products of La Masia and stars for FC Barcelona.
- Impact: Both broke numerous age-related records in La Liga and international football.
Why the image resonates
In an era of curated social media and professional PR, this photo stands out because it is unposed and genuine. It captures a tender, domestic moment involving two of the most famous athletes of their respective generations. The narrative appeals to fans who enjoy the romantic side of football, where talent seems to be inherited or passed down through generations. It transforms a simple charity event into a story of continuity and legacy.
The photo also highlights the human side of elite athletes. Messi, often portrayed as a cold or alienated genius, is shown here as a gentle, caring young man. Yamal, now a global superstar, is seen in his most vulnerable state as a baby. This contrast adds emotional weight to the image, making it a favorite among fans and media outlets alike.