Barcelona leader commented on the famous photo where Messi bathes him in the tub

Lamine Yamal from the football club Barcelona was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had a photoshoot with legendary Lionel Messi in his childhood. The young man noted that he was happy to have a picture with the best football player in the world.

“I was surprised that Messi held me in his arms… I don't know what I was doing then, but I am very glad to have a photo with the best footballer in history,” – said Yamal.

In 2008, the football club Barcelona released a calendar with pictures of the first team players, which featured a photograph where Lionel Messi was bathing tiny five-month-old Lamine Yamal.

At the celebration for Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday, there were many guests, including musicians and influencers. There was also Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc.

Participants of the celebration

Among the Barcelona footballers who participated in the party were famous athletes and stars such as Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Robert Lewandowski, Marc Casado, Raphinha, Pau Victor, Ronald Araújo, and Fermín López.

The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other forms of dwarfism opposed the celebration, condemning the use of people with dwarfism as entertainment. They announced their readiness to take legal action in this regard.

Finally, in the final of the 2025 Club World Championship, Chelsea won against PSG with a score of 3:0, with two goals belonging to Cole Palmer and the third scored by João Pedro in the first half.

Chelsea (England) – PSG (France) 3:0

Goals: Palmer (22, 30), Pedro (43).

During the celebration of his 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal learned about the photograph where he posed with Lionel Messi in his childhood, which brought him joyful memories. The party atmosphere also included famous football players and other prominent figures, but the event sparked controversy due to the use of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment, leading to threats of legal action from the Association representing this group. On the same day, Chelsea defeated PSG in the final of the 2025 Club World Championship with a score of 3:0.