Lamine Yamal’s father says teenage star ‘gave Messi his blessing’ in 2007 photo

Lamine Yamal’s father has described how the Barcelona and Spain winger’s childhood photo with Lionel Messi may have been a “beautiful coincidence” that ended up seeing his son “give the blessing” to the Argentina legend.

The 19-year-old is enjoying what his family consider the happiest spell of his life after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup – fulfilling what he saw as one of his brightest dreams at a remarkably young age.

Yamal’s route to the trophy was far from straightforward. He joined up with the Spain squad while still recovering from a left hamstring injury, and had to manage his fitness as the tournament progressed.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, in comments published by Catalan newspaper Sport, his father Mounir Nasraoui said he had sensed from the very beginning that his son was destined for the top.

“From the moment he was born, I knew he would be a star,” Nasraoui said. “Any father feels that, and every father wants his son to be the best.”

‘The most important thing is that he is happy’

Nasraoui stressed that his main ambition has never been trophies or fame, but Yamal’s happiness and wellbeing on and off the pitch.

He said one of his “main goals in life” was simply to see Lamine content, both in football and away from the game.

Praising his son’s character as much as his ability, he added: “He is the best in everything, not only in football, but in love, as a human being, in every aspect.

“The fundamental reason for that is that he has a blessing from God, and that is something extremely important and must be appreciated.”

His comments reflect how the family view Yamal’s rise: as a mixture of talent, work and something more spiritual that they believe has helped guide his career.

Pride in Roca Fonda roots

Nasraoui also spoke with pride about life in Roca Fonda (often spelled Rocafonda), the Mataro neighbourhood where the family’s story in Spain took shape and where Yamal spent part of his childhood.

Describing the area in glowing terms, he said: “This neighbourhood is the best in the world and in Spain, because we are all equal and we all have the same love for everyone.

“Long live Roca Fonda 304, it is a symbol and a reference for everyone.”

The reference underlines how important those streets and that community remain to the family, even as Yamal’s career has taken him to the highest level with Barcelona and the national team.

The famous Messi photo

Nasraoui also revisited the now-iconic image that first connected Yamal’s name with Lionel Messi long before the teenager became a professional.

The photograph was taken in 2007 during a campaign organised by Sport in collaboration with UNICEF, when Yamal was a baby and Messi was emerging as Barcelona’s next great star.

In the image, Messi is pictured holding the infant Yamal, a scene that has since been widely shared as the younger player’s reputation has grown, and often held up as a symbol of one Barcelona era handing the baton to another.

Reflecting on that moment, Nasraoui said: “Maybe it was Lamine who gave the blessing to Messi, that photo was just a beautiful coincidence in life.”

The remark, half playful and half proud, captures the sense of wonder within the family at how that chance photoshoot has come to be seen as a prophetic snapshot, linking the child in Messi’s arms to the player now following in his footsteps at Barcelona and on the World Cup stage for Spain.