Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as "crazy" that he will face Spain's Lamine Yamal in Sunday's World Cup final, recalling a photograph of the pair together when Yamal was still a baby.
The image dates back to 2007, when Yamal's parents won a charity photoshoot at Barcelona in which a 20-year-old Messi held their five-month-old son.
Speaking to Messi during a news conference in New York, NFL legend Tom Brady described the photograph as "very prophetic."
"That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy," Messi said.
Yamal made his Barcelona debut at the age of 15 and has since inherited the number 10 shirt once worn by Messi at the club.
He played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph and, now aged 19, could become the youngest player in history to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.
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Messi, 39, praised his young rival but made clear Argentina would be doing everything possible to deny him that achievement.
"He's one of the best in the world right now. I wish him luck because his success will be Barcelona's success.
"We'll try to keep him from playing at his best. Spain has a great team, not just him.
"He's a tremendous player, a global star. 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.
Messi attended a fans' event on Friday alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri, ahead of what promises to be a highly anticipated final.
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