NEW YORK — In a light-hearted interaction between two sporting greats, NFL legend Tom Brady and football superstar Lionel Messi shared a memorable moment ahead of the Argentina-Spain World Cup final. Brady brought up the now-iconic photograph of Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal, a picture that has captured global attention since the championship clash was confirmed. Calling the image “very prophetic,” Brady noted the striking symbolism — Yamal now taking part in his first World Cup while Messi could be preparing for his last.

'Already one of the leading players in world football'

When asked about facing Yamal in the final, Messi was full of admiration for the 19-year-old Spanish sensation but also reminded everyone that Argentina would not make things easy for their opponents.

“He is already one of the leading players in world football at 19 years old,” Messi said during a FIFA and Fanatics World Cup event. “He has his entire career ahead of him and a massive chance to achieve something historic.

“I always wish him the best and want great things for him. But we’ll try to play a strong game and prevent him from performing at his highest level, though that is never easy. Spain are not just about Lamine. They have fantastic players and play excellent football, but we have our strengths too.”

'The beginning of two legends'

The widely shared photograph dates back to 2007, when Yamal was just a few months old and Messi was beginning his ascent at FC Barcelona. The image resurfaced in 2024, with Yamal’s father describing it as “the beginning of two legends.”

Now, the story comes full circle — one legend aiming to conclude his World Cup journey with back-to-back titles, the other seeking to dethrone him and create one of football’s most remarkable narratives.

Two different paths to the final

By the numbers, this has been Messi’s tournament. The Argentine captain has scored eight goals and provided four assists in seven matches, raising his overall World Cup career tally to 21 goals and 12 assists in 33 appearances.

Yamal’s debut World Cup has been less prolific statistically, with one goal and no assists in seven games. Yet his impact has extended beyond the score sheet. He won the crucial penalty that set Spain on their way to a semifinal victory over France and regularly commands defensive attention, opening up space for his teammates to thrive.

What’s next?

On Sunday, Messi will attempt to spoil the Spanish youngster’s biggest night. Argentina are aiming for their second consecutive World Cup crown, while Yamal has the chance to lead Spain to their first triumph since 2010 — nearly 19 years after the pair first shared that unforgettable photograph.