The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has clarified the authenticity of a widely circulated photo featuring Argentine star Lionel Messi and Spanish talent Lamine Yamal as a baby. Many had speculated that the image was AI-generated or digitally altered.
According to a statement released by UNICEF on its official 'X' platform account, the photo is genuine, captured over 18 years ago during a charitable photoshoot organized by the organization to raise funds.
The organization clarified that the child in the photo is Lamine Yamal, photographed alongside his mother Sheila. They met Messi during the photoshoot conducted by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort.
The statement read, "Yes, the images you saw are indeed real.
More than 18 years ago, a child named 'Lamine Yamal' and his mother 'Sheila' met 'Lionel Messi' during a charity photoshoot to support fundraising for UNICEF."
UNICEF added that Lamine Yamal has become one of the prominent rising stars in football today, while Messi continues his career as one of the greatest players of the game. Notably, both are currently UNICEF goodwill ambassadors.
The organization mentioned that both players use their fame and platforms to support and advocate for children's rights, emphasizing the goal "for every child to survive, grow, and achieve their full potential."
UNICEF expressed pride in having Messi and Lamine Yamal as goodwill ambassadors supporting its humanitarian mission worldwide.
The photo recently went viral on social media, sparking a wave of comments due to the striking similarity between young Lamine Yamal's features and his current appearance, along with Messi holding him during the charity event. This led some users to believe it was created using AI technology.
However, UNICEF's confirmation and attribution of the photo to Spanish photographer Joan Monfort put an end to the speculation, bringing renewed attention to one of the most shared photos in the football world recently, which connected the legendary player with one of today's emerging stars long before their paths crossed on the field.