- UNICEF Ends Debate Over Viral Messi, Baby Lamine Yamal Photos
- Images were taken during a UNICEF charity photoshoot over 18 years ago.
- Messi and Yamal now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors worldwide.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed that the viral photographs showing Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal are authentic, ending speculation that the widely shared images were digitally altered.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- FG Partners With Chinese Investors To Secure Land For 10,000-Home Mass Housing Project
- Intelligence Materials Were Shared With US, Not Seized – DHQ
- Man Arraigned in Adamawa Over Alleged Abuse Involving Daughter
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the photographs, which have attracted millions of views across social media in recent days, were taken more than 18 years ago during a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot involving Messi, Yamal and the youngster’s mother, Sheila.
In a statement shared on its official platform, UNICEF confirmed the authenticity of the images.
“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real,” the organisation said.
UNICEF added, “More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.
“The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.
“We are proud to have them on our team.”
UNICEF also credited Spanish photographer Joan Monfort for capturing the now iconic images during a charity calendar project organised to raise funds for children. The photographs show a young Messi carefully bathing infant Yamal in a small plastic tub while his mother looked on.
The pictures resurfaced as Yamal’s remarkable rise with Barcelona and the Spanish national team captured global attention. Their reappearance sparked widespread debate online, with many social media users questioning whether the images had been manipulated.
UNICEF’s confirmation has now settled the speculation, establishing the photographs as genuine moments from a charity campaign carried out nearly two decades ago.
The story has generated even greater interest because both Messi and Yamal now serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their global platforms to advocate for children’s rights and welfare.
Many football fans have described the images as a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of football stars, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history and Yamal emerging as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
The renewed attention comes ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, where Messi’s Argentina will face Yamal’s Spain in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
