UNICEF Breaks Silence on Viral Messi and Baby Yamal Photo

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has clarified that the viral photographs showing Lionel Messi bathing and caring for an infant Lamine Yamal were taken during a fundraising photoshoot organised by the agency in Barcelona in 2007.

The images, which have circulated widely on social media in recent years, resurfaced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, where Messi and Yamal are expected to face each other for the first time in their careers.

The photographs first attracted global attention during the 2024 European Championship, which Yamal won with Spain.

Revisiting the images, UNICEF confirmed that they were taken more than 18 years ago as part of one of its fundraising campaigns.

“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom, Sheila, met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot,” the organisation said.

UNICEF noted that while both footballers have gone on to achieve remarkable success on the pitch, they now also use their platforms to support children’s rights as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world. The goal? That every child survives, thrives and fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team,” the organisation added.

The photographs were taken at Camp Nou in 2007, when Messi was a 20-year-old emerging star at Barcelona, while Yamal was just five months old.

According to UNICEF, Yamal’s parents secured the opportunity after winning a newspaper raffle that allowed their son to participate in the charity campaign.

The clarification comes as anticipation builds for Sunday’s World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium, where defending champions Argentina will take on Spain at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.