The photos you see were taken in December 2007 within the framework of a humanitarian project jointly carried out by Spain's "Barcelona" club and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and were used in a calendar.
Medianews.az reports that in these photos, Lionel Messi is 20 years old and Lamin Yamal is five months old.
Currently, Messi is the captain of the Argentina national team, and Yamal is a forward for the Spain national team.
This weekend, they will face each other in the final of the 23rd World Football Championship. For the 39-year-old Messi, this is probably his last World Cup, while the 19-year-old Yamal has a long career ahead...
The 23rd World Championship, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, began on June 11.
Argentina defeated Algeria (3:0), Austria (2:0), and Jordan (3:1) in the group stage; Cape Verde (3:2) in the round of 16; Egypt (3:2) in the round of 16; Switzerland (3:1) in the quarterfinal; and England (2:1) in the semifinal.
Spain drew with Cape Verde (0:0), won against Saudi Arabia (4:0) and Uruguay (1:0) in the group stage; defeated Austria (3:0) in the round of 16; Portugal (1:0) in the round of 16; Belgium (2:1) in the quarterfinal; and France (2:0) in the semifinal.
In the 102 games played so far in the championship, 297 goals have been scored. Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Kylian Mbappe (France) have scored 8 each; Erling Haaland (Norway) 7; Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham (England) 6 goals each.
Two players have scored 5 goals, three players 4 goals, sixteen players 3 goals, thirty players 2 goals, and 118 players 1 goal each.
There have been 14 own goals recorded in the tournament.
The final match (Spain – Argentina), as well as the third-place game (France – England), are scheduled for July 19.