When Joan Monfort captured a photo of a young Lionel Messi holding a baby nearly 17 years ago for a charity calendar, he had no idea that both individuals in the frame would go on to become legends in the world of soccer. The baby in the photo, which has recently gone viral, is none other than Lamine Yamal, a Spanish soccer prodigy who, at just 16 years old, is already being compared to some of the greatest players in the sport.
The photo, taken in the autumn of 2007, resurfaced after Yamal’s father posted it on Instagram with the caption, “the beginning of two legends.” Monfort, a 56-year-old freelance photographer who works for The Associated Press and other outlets, recalls the photo shoot vividly. It took place in the visitors’ locker room at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, where Yamal, then just a few months old, was part of a charity calendar organized by the local newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF.
Barcelona players, including Messi, posed with children and their families for the calendar. Yamal’s family, who lived in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró, won a raffle organized by UNICEF to have their picture taken with a Barcelona player. Monfort was in charge of the photo shoots and happened to pair Messi with Yamal’s family. Yamal’s mother, who hails from Equatorial Guinea, is also in the photo, standing next to Messi and the baby.
Monfort recalls that the assignment was not an easy one, primarily because Messi, who was 20 at the time, seemed unsure of how to interact with baby Yamal, who was placed in a plastic tub for the shoot. “Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy,” Monfort said. “He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.”
At that time, Messi was already considered a significant talent, but it would take a few more years for him to establish himself as the most outstanding player of his generation for both Barcelona and Argentina. Similarly, Yamal has followed in Messi’s footsteps by progressing through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia youth academy. Despite his young age, Yamal has been one of Spain’s standout players at Euro 2024, where his team is set to play France in the semifinals. Yamal will turn 17 on Saturday, just a day before the final in Berlin.
Monfort, who has had a long career as a sports photographer since 1991, following Barcelona around the world, was unaware that the baby in the 2007 photos was Yamal until a friend messaged him as the photos started trending online. “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.”
The resurfaced photo has not only highlighted the incredible journey of both Messi and Yamal but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of how far they have come. Messi, now a global icon, has won numerous accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and has led both his club and country to significant victories. Yamal, on the other hand, is just beginning his journey but has already shown immense promise, making history as the youngest player to have played for Spain and the youngest player ever in the ongoing European Championship in Germany.
The photo has sparked a wave of excitement and nostalgia among soccer fans, who are thrilled to see the early connection between two players who have the potential to leave an indelible mark on the sport. It also underscores the importance of youth development programs like La Masia, which have been instrumental in nurturing talents like Messi and Yamal.
As Yamal continues to develop and make his mark on the international stage, the photo serves as a poignant reminder of the humble beginnings of two soccer legends. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of sports, where a seemingly ordinary moment captured in a photo can later be seen as a significant piece of history.
For Monfort, the experience has been a unique and rewarding one. “To be part of something that has brought so much joy and excitement to people is truly special,” he said. “It’s moments like these that make all the hard work worthwhile.”
As the world watches Yamal’s career unfold, the photo of a young Messi holding a baby Yamal will continue to be a cherished piece of soccer history, symbolizing the beginning of two extraordinary journeys in the world of sports.
Source: Associated Press
