The Iconic Photo of Young Lionel Messi and Baby Lamine Yamal: The Story Behind the Viral Image
In recent days, social media has been abuzz with a captivating photo of a young Lionel Messi cradling a baby Lamine Yamal in his arms. This heartwarming image quickly went viral, prompting FC Barcelona to share the intriguing backstory behind it, a tale that is poised to become legendary.
20-year-old Lionel Messi was pictured with a six-month-old Lamine Yamal for a 2008 charity calendar organized by the Barcelona Foundation in association with Catalan outlet Sport to raise funds for UNICEF and the Foundation’s charity work. The project, which started in 2004, produced an annual calendar each year, highlighting programs supporting children worldwide. This noble cause was championed by various members of the senior football team.
In addition to Messi, the likes of Deco, Bojan Krkic, Rafa Marquez, and Xavi Hernandez were also chosen to appear in the photos. And that’s how Leo happened to take a picture with a baby who would eventually draw comparisons with him in world football.
The Story Behind Photos Messi & Yamal
“We made the calendar with the help of UNICEF,” Monfort told The Associated Press. “So UNICEF did a raffle in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró, where Lamine’s family lived. They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at the Camp Nou with a Barça player. And they won the raffle.”
In the fall of 2007, Yamal and his mother, Sheila Ebana, found themselves in the away team locker room at Camp Nou, accompanied by Lionel Messi. What no one realized at the time was that this seemingly ordinary moment would symbolize a potential passing of the footballing torch, despite the initially awkward setting.
“The stars aligned when Lamine met Messi, but it was very difficult,” Monfort told The Associated Press. “Messi is very introverted and shy. He entered the changing room to find a plastic bathtub filled with water and a baby inside. In the beginning, he did not know how to hold [Yamal].”
The pair may look back and laugh about their unusual first meeting when they next encounter each other, especially if Lamine Yamal secures the European Championship with Spain this summer while Messi leads Argentina to victory in the Copa América.
Monfort, 56, said he is delighted to have one of his photographs make such an impact so many years after it was taken.
“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.”
Source: ESPN
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