Messi and Yamal's First Meeting: The Moment That Bound Two Generations

BBC Sport explores the remarkable bond between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, stars on opposing sides in the 2026 World Cup final. A famous photo of the two together dates from when Yamal was a small child and Messi already a global icon — a coincidence described as "a true miracle of destiny." The two now meet as leaders of Argentina and Spain at the pinnacle of world football.