FIFA and UNICEF have confirmed that a widely shared picture showing Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal is authentic and was not created or altered using artificial intelligence or digital editing.
The image has resurfaced repeatedly on social media over recent months, sparking claims that it had been generated by AI. FIFA has now said the photograph was taken during a charity shoot arranged in 2007 by the FC Barcelona Foundation and the Catalan newspaper SPORT, with proceeds aimed at supporting UNICEF.
The renewed attention comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup final approaches on Sunday, featuring Messi’s Argentina against Yamal’s Spain. It will be the first competitive meeting between the pair.
“It was no coincidence, it was a miracle,” Monfort told FIFA.
FIFA said the annual initiative in Barcelona’s calendar involved first-team players posing with children as part of UNICEF fundraising efforts.
Former SPORT marketing figure Oriol Canals explained that Yamal’s family received the chance to take part through a UNICEF community programme in Rocafonda, Mataró.
The draw paired the infant with Messi, though the family could have been matched with any of several Barcelona stars, including Ronaldinho, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Thierry Henry, Eric Abidal and Víctor Valdés.
Yamal’s mother, Sheila, brought her son to Camp Nou for a 30-minute session. Monfort said he improvised during the shoot, using a plastic duck and household items to help carry out the photo request.
Canals added that Messi looked uncomfortable while holding the baby.
“Messi was as stiff as a broom. I suppose that was because he’d never held a baby in his life,” he said.
Monfort also recalled that the forward—then a teenager—was naturally reserved.
“Messi was 19 and even shyer and more introverted back then,” he said.
The picture stayed largely out of the public eye until 2024, when Yamal’s father, Mounir, posted it online shortly before the teenager helped Spain win UEFA EURO 2024.
The sudden surge in attention surprised even those involved in the original charity shoot.
“It’s incredible. It’s one of those gifts that life hands you,” Canals said.
“It’d be like Michael Jordan bathing LeBron James. Initially, people asked if it was AI. It’s out of this world. It’s a beautiful and incredible story.”
Monfort said the photograph has taken on far greater meaning than anyone involved could have foreseen.
“That photo is etched in my soul. It was a miracle back then and remains so nearly 20 years on. It was like writing history before it happened,” he said.
“Nobody could have imagined that Messi would become one of the greatest athletes in history and that Lamine would win the EURO at 17 before facing him in a World Cup final at 19.”
With Messi now 39 and Yamal 19, Monfort described Sunday’s final as the perfect ending to an extraordinary storyline.
“And to think they are going to line up in a World Cup final, one at 39 and the other aged 19, really is the cherry on the top,” he added.
UNICEF has also reaffirmed that the image is genuine. In sharing behind-the-scenes details from the charity shoot, the organisation said: “Some stories only get better with time.”
UNICEF added: “This weekend, they’ll face each other in the FIFA World Cup final, but when it comes to championing children’s rights, they’re on the same team.”
In a separate statement, UNICEF again confirmed that the photographs are real.
“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real,” the organisation said.
“More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mum 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.”
