On 19/7, Spain will face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. This highly anticipated match pits the reigning European champions against the reigning South American champions.

Several players in the current Spanish squad were photographed with Lionel Messi during their infancy or early childhood, creating a unique narrative for this championship clash.

Lamine Yamal

The two players are set to meet at MetLife Stadium this sunday (20/7 Vietnam time). Their first encounter dates back to 2007 during a charity photo program. At that time, Messi was a first-team player for Barcelona, while Yamal was just a few months old.

Diario Sport, in collaboration with UNICEF, organized an annual calendar photo campaign featuring Barcelona players and fans. Yamal's family participated in a prize draw and was paired with Messi. Yamal had no connection to the sport at that time.

"In 2007, we couldn't predict the future of this baby or Messi's development; destiny played a pivotal role in this generational transition," photographer Joan Montfort told The Athletic.

To date, Yamal has secured three La Liga titles and one European championship with the Spain national team. Messi, meanwhile, rose to become the highest goalscorer in history. Yamal needs more time to approach his senior's records, and this World Cup final clash marks a significant step for the Spanish forward.

Yamal was photographed with Messi when he was 6 months old. *Photo: Diario Sport*

Gavi

The midfielder, born in 2004, has consistently admired Messi throughout the Argentine forward's tenure at Barcelona. Many childhood photos of Gavi standing next to Messi have circulated on social media over the years. At that time, Gavi was not yet a key player for Barcelona or the national team.

Like many young talents from the La Masia academy, Gavi followed in the footsteps of his senior. In the 2026 World Cup final, his task will be to stop the Argentina captain, despite his continued admiration for Messi.

Gavi, the midfielder born in 2004, was photographed with Messi when he was young. *Photo: MC*

Dani Olmo

Olmo developed through La Masia's youth football program before moving abroad to play. He was among those who had met Messi in Spain.

Since starting his professional career, Olmo has looked up to the number 10 player as a role model. Many years later, Olmo has become an experienced key player in the national team's attack ahead of the final.

Joan Garcia

Goalkeeper Joan Garcia is also on the list of Spain national team members who have photographic memories with Messi from the past.

These early encounters passed quickly. Now, these photos serve as poignant reminders before the match that will decide the championship title.

Messi has maintained his athletic career for over two decades, influencing a generation of players. Many of them will now face him in the World Cup final. This forward once served as a role model for a generation of Spanish athletes. Currently, he acts as an obstacle in their pursuit of a national team title.

Yamal, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Pau Cubarsi (from top to bottom) were photographed with Messi when they were young. *Photo: 433*

Journey to the 2026 World Cup final

Both Argentina and Spain topped their respective groups. However, entering the knockout rounds, the two teams showed contrasting paths to the final.

Argentina edged past Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32 and defeated Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, the South American representative overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. The team continued its strong run by coming from behind to eliminate England in the semifinals.

As for Spain, after a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opening group stage match, they defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16. The team's defense remained impenetrable in these two matches. In the quarterfinals and semifinals, they successively eliminated Belgium 2-1 and France 2-0.

Argentina aims to become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Spain seeks this title, having last won it in 2010.

Minh Phuong (According to AS Sports, Yahoo)