Destiny: Messi responds for the first time about the photo of bathing Jamal before the 2026 World Cup final.
On 19 July 2026, Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, gave his first interview discussing the viral photo ahead of the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, which will be played tonight at 02:00 on Monday, 20 July Thai time.
This photo was part of a charity calendar produced at Barcelona's stadium by the local newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF in 2007. Sixteen years later, fate brought Lamine Jamal—now a Barcelona standout—together with Lionel Messi in one calendar image.
This journey has reached its climax: from sharing a bathtub in that photo to facing each other in the World Cup final, where 19-year-old Lamine Jamal will play against 39-year-old Lionel Messi for the first time at the national team level.
Recently at the FIFA Fanatics Fest in New York, Lionel Messi opened up about the photo of him bathing Lamine Jamal: "That photo is incredible. I took a picture with him when he was just a baby. Now that we meet in the World Cup, it's truly amazing."
"He is one of the best players in the world right now. I wish him the best because his success is Barcelona's success, but we will try to stop him from showing his best form."
"The Spanish national team is outstanding—not just him alone—and we have our own strengths too. He is a fantastic player... a global superstar."
"He is only 19 years old and has a long career ahead. I wish him all the best, but we will give our all to prevent him from winning the championship this time."
*Photo credit: Joan Monfort
Read related news