Argentina captain Lionel Messi described facing Spain's young star Lamine Djamel in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as "crazy," commenting on his historic photo with him.
In recent days, a picture of Lionel Messi with Lamine Jamal in a bathtub, taken in 2007 on the sidelines of a UNICEF fundraising event, has resurfaced.
Lionel Messi told reporters hours before the 2026 World Cup final: "It's unbelievable... I took a picture of us together when he was a baby many years ago."
He added: "Now we meet face to face in the World Cup final... It's truly crazy... And without a doubt, he is one of the best players in the world right now."
Messi stressed that he wishes Lamine Jamal every success, explaining: "Lamine Jamal's success is Barcelona's success... and it is a club I adore."
It is worth noting that Lamine Jamal came through the ranks at Barcelona's "La Masia" academy, the same place that once produced Lionel Messi more than two decades ago.
Lamine Djamel wears the number 10 shirt with Barcelona, which Messi wore with "Blaugrana" from 2008 to 2021 when he left the Catalan team and joined the ranks of the French team Paris Saint-Germain.
