The Remarkable Story Behind Lionel Messi and Baby Lamine Yamal Photos
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Lamine Yamal has emerged as Euro 2024's standout star, dazzling in the semifinals with a spectacular goal that secured Spain's 2-1 victory over France. At just 16, Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in Euros history, breaking a record held since 2004. Scoring just days before his 17th birthday, Yamal surpassed Switzerland's Johan Vonlanthen by over a year.
Yamal’s rise to prominence seems almost destined, especially considering his early encounter with a football legend. Recently resurfaced photos show a young Yamal being bathed by none other than Lionel Messi, who was 20 years old at the time and on the brink of his legendary career.
These endearing photos were shared on Instagram by Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, with the caption: "The beginning of two legends." The images were captured by freelance photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar organized by the Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in partnership with UNICEF.
"We made the calendar with the help of UNICEF," Monfort told The Associated Press. "UNICEF held a raffle in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró, where Lamine's family lived. They entered the raffle for a chance to have their picture taken at Camp Nou with a Barça player—and they won."
In the fall of 2007, Yamal and his mother, Sheila Ebana, joined Messi in the away team locker room at Camp Nou for the photoshoot. Despite the initially awkward atmosphere, the moment became a memorable part of football history.
"The stars aligned when Lamine met Messi, but it was very difficult," Monfort recalled. "Messi is very introverted and shy. He walked into the changing room to find a plastic bathtub filled with water and a baby inside. At first, he didn't know how to hold Yamal."
This unusual first encounter between Messi and Yamal is even more remarkable considering Yamal's rapid rise in football. The two might share a laugh about their first meeting when they reunite, especially if Yamal secures the European Championship with Spain while Messi leads Argentina to Copa América glory.
Monfort, now 56, expressed his joy at the lasting impact of his photographs. "It's very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation," he said. "To tell you the truth, it's a very nice feeling."
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