This 2026 FIFA World Cup just might bring one of the biggest full-circle moments in soccer history to game enthusiasts.
Lamine Yamal, 19, who represents Spain, is heading to the finale at New York New Jersey stadium on Sunday.
Argentina's soccer legend Lionel Messi, 39, will face England on July 15 in the semi-finals, and the winner will go on to play against Spain.
If Argentina moves forward with a win, Lamine and Lionel will experience a surreal moment together, because it won't be their first time meeting.
Sweet throwback
Believe it or not, but back in 2007, the two starred in a unique charity photoshoot for UNICEF when Lionel was 20, and Lamine was only a six-month-old baby.
In the heartwarming pictures, Lionel was seen giving Lamine a bubble bath in a plastic bathtub, as he sported a shoulder-length bob back then.
At the time, Diario Sport hosted a raffle in Mataró and Lamine's family won the grand prize of landing him in the calendar photoshoot.
© Getty ImagesPossible full-circle moment
The pictures have resurfaced again, given the timely moment that grown-up Lamine might compete against the legend, depending on the results of the Argentina's semi-final game.
Lamine celebrated his 19th birthday on July 13, and only a day later, his team beat France.
During a press conference, Lamine was shown the sweet throwback picture and he joked: "Yes, I've grown a little and I think Leo has too. I hope it happens. I'd love to face Messi in a World Cup final."
This World Cup will also be Lionel's last, as he heads into retirement after the competition.
© Getty ImagesLamine's wholesome tributes
Lamine's full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, however, the name on his jersey doesn't represent his parents' last names. His father is from Morocco and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea.
Lamine and Yamal are the names of the two people who financially helped his family survive when they were really struggling after he was born.
As a sign of gratitude, Lamine's parents promised that if they had a boy, he would take their two names. Lamine carries on the wholesome legacy by going by Lamine Yamal on his jersey instead of Nasraoui Ebana.
© Getty ImagesLamine also pays tribute to where he came from by signaling the number 304 with his hands when he scores a goal, as a way to shout out the last numbers of his local postcode of 08304.
The athlete got into the sport at the young age of four, when he joined his local club called La Torreta. Two years later, he got scouted by Barcelona and began training at La Masia.
In 2014, the rising star was signed to the club and moved to the city to continue training and he went on to become the youngest player to ever debut as well as score for not only FC Barcelona but Spain's national team, making him the one to watch.
