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How Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal's viral photo is coming full circle at the World Cup
By KABC ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Before they were rivals, Messi posed with baby Yamal for a charity photo shoot.
Key takeaway Further details about the photo and its significance are available from ABC7 Los Angeles .
A viral photo of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal is making headlines at the World Cup. The photo was taken during a charity photo shoot. At the time, Yamal was a baby and Messi posed with him for the shoot.
The photo has resurfaced as the two have become rivals. Further details about the photo and its significance are available from ABC7 Los Angeles .
For more information on the story behind the viral photo, readers can visit the ABC7 Los Angeles website for the full story on how the photo of Messi and baby Yamal has come full circle at the World Cup.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The resurgence of the Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal photo at the World Cup has captivated Los Angeles soccer fans, many of whom closely follow international competitions. As the city's diverse communities come together to watch World Cup matches, the photo's local significance extends beyond the viral sensation, speaking to the city's strong soccer culture. Los Angeles County is home to a large and passionate soccer fan base, with many residents having ties to countries participating in the World Cup. The rivalry between Messi and Yamal will likely be a major topic of discussion at local watch parties and gatherings, further fueling the city's excitement around the tournament. As the World Cup progresses, Angelenos will be watching closely to see how this rivalry plays out, and how it reflects the city's own rich soccer heritage.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local Published: July 17, 2026 Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Before they were rivals, Messi posed with baby Yamal for a charity photo shoot.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KABC at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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