Photographer Joan Monfort shared insights about a challenging yet rewarding photo he took, remarking, “It was a difficult shot. We can say I sweated some blood to take it.” The subject was Lionel Messi, described as shy even now, alongside a baby Yamal. Initially, interaction was limited, but over time it evolved, resulting in what Monfort considers a remarkable photo.
Back in December 2007, Joan Monfort captured an image of a young Messi, then 20 years old, with Lamine Yamal, a five-month-old baby. This photo was featured in a 2008 charity calendar created by Barcelona’s club foundation and Diario Sport. The calendar aimed to raise funds for UNICEF and other charities in Catalonia.
As part of an annual initiative, Barcelona squad members were photographed with children. Many families participated, although most of these images faded from memory, save for those cherished privately by participants. Yamal, now a rising star, posed with Messi, who has since claimed the Ballon d’Or eight times. Their paths will cross in the upcoming World Cup final at MetLife Stadium as Spain faces Argentina, marking their first encounter on a football pitch.
Photos from the session, including one showing Messi holding baby Yamal in a towel, resurfaced during the European Championship 2024. Yamal’s father shared them online, reigniting public interest. Monfort expressed awe at how destiny shaped their futures, noting, “Back then, nobody could imagine that this baby would be who he is now. You could not have known Messi would become who he became, either.” In 2007, Messi had already achieved considerable success at Barcelona, but he was still emerging amid legends like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, and others.
Monfort noted the logistical challenges of arranging the shoot with the players, saying they often were rushed. It was essential to capture genuine interactions—quite challenging with a baby and a young adult. The presence of Yamal’s mother was vital to creating comfort, enabling tender and sweet images.
Although Messi and Yamal have not yet faced off in competition, their meeting in Sunday’s final is highly anticipated. Monfort made efforts to ensure families received copies of their photos, highlighting Yamal’s mother’s dedication in bringing her son from Mataro for the shoot. This connection continued as Yamal joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, in 2014. He debuted in La Liga at age 15 in April 2023 and made his international debut with Spain a few months later.
Comparisons to Messi have intensified as Yamal wears the Barca No. 10 jersey and establishes himself as a promising successor. The photograph from 2007 gained renewed attention during the current World Cup, highlighting the unique intersection of fame and childhood innocence captured years prior.
Joan Monfort described the photo as a one-in-a-million chance, akin to winning the lottery, emphasizing the mix of fortune and fate in capturing such a moment. He continues to work in photography, collaborating with outlets like Diario AS and Agence France-Presse. Reflecting on the photo’s viral resurgence, Monfort expressed surprise and gratitude, noting, “It’s the most famous photo I’ve taken in my life, by a long way. If Lamine keeps growing like he is growing, the photo will be even more historic.” Despite the photo’s prominence, Monfort remains grounded, finding joy in its journey rather than financial success.