When Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal step onto the field for the World Cup final on Sunday, their meeting will symbolize a remarkable convergence of football history more than two decades in the making.

The connection dates back to 2007, when a 20-year-old Messi posed for a UNICEF photo campaign with Yamal, who was then just five months old. The shoot, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund, was part of a fundraising effort linked to a raffle that allowed Yamal’s family to meet the Barcelona star for a calendar project promoting the organization’s humanitarian work. One memorable image captures Messi assisting Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, as she bathes the infant in a blue plastic tub.

UNICEF representatives have noted the young Yamal’s infectious smile during the session as having made an early impression on Messi. Nearly 20 years later, the two players will meet again—this time as opponents on football’s biggest stage.

Yamal, now 19, has emerged as one of Spain’s brightest talents and has followed in Messi’s footsteps as a Barcelona prodigy. Messi, at 39, will be appearing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, marking his third time competing in a final match as captain of Argentina.

Reflecting on the unlikely reunion, Messi described the circumstances as “crazy,” expressing both surprise and admiration. While he wishes Yamal success, Messi affirmed his focus remains on winning the final for Argentina. “He’s 19 years old and has his whole career ahead of him. I wish him the best, but we’ll give it our all to ensure he doesn’t become champion this time,” Messi said during a fan event in Manhattan.

The photographer behind the original meeting, Joan Monfort, called the story “a true miracle of destiny,” noting that such an event would be implausible if scripted. Even Yamal’s Spanish teammate Mikel Merino initially believed the iconic photo was artificially created upon first seeing it. “It’s unbelievable that two of the best players to have played the game—and hopefully Lamine, in the future, will be one of those—share a picture like that,” Merino commented.

Both players now hold positions as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, promoting the importance of providing safe environments for children worldwide. Yamal has spoken about football’s role in his life, reflecting on how growing up with “a family, a ball, a park and a dream” gave him purpose and hope. “I know how important it is for children to have a safe place to play, so that they can simply enjoy being children,” he said earlier this year.

Their shared journey from that poignant photograph to the stage of a World Cup final underscores a unique narrative of sport, fate, and the enduring impact of childhood dreams.