One of football's most remarkable stories has taken centre stage ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, with Lionel Messi admitting he never imagined the baby he once held during a Barcelona charity event would grow up to become the player standing between Argentina and another world title.
The Argentina captain reflected on the widely shared photograph taken in 2007, when Lamine Yamal was just five months old. Yamal's parents had won a charity photoshoot organised by Barcelona, where a 20-year-old Messi posed with the infant, creating an image that has resurfaced ahead of Sunday's final against Spain.
The photo was brought up during a news conference in New York after NFL icon Tom Brady described it as "very prophetic."
Messi smiled as he looked back at the moment, saying the journey both players have taken makes the picture even more remarkable today.
"That photo is incredible. The fact that we're both playing in the World Cup now is crazy."
The final will pit the experienced Argentina captain against one of football's fastest-rising stars. Since making his Barcelona debut at just 15, Yamal has become one of the game's biggest attractions and now wears the club's famous number 10 shirt once owned by Messi.
The 19-year-old has already celebrated European Championship success with Spain and now has the chance to add a World Cup winner's medal, a feat that would make him the youngest player to win both major international titles.
Even as Argentina prepares to stop Spain's attack, Messi had nothing but admiration for the teenage forward.
"He's one of the best in the world right now," said 39-year-old Messi.
"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 was joined at the fan event by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain captain Rodri as supporters counted down to the final.
The occasion also produced a warm moment between the two coaches. Argentina's Lionel Scaloni embraced Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who helped train Scaloni during his UEFA Pro coaching course in Spain.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand and actor Kevin Hart hosted the event, while Brady, tennis star Novak Djokovic and NBA player Kevin Durant took turns asking questions.
The event ended with an unexpected confrontation after Brady exchanged words with Logan Paul. The disagreement escalated before the seven-time Super Bowl champion slapped the YouTuber-turned-WWE performer, with New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns stepping in to separate the two.