UNICEF confirms Messi bathing baby Yamal photos are real

The United Nations Children’s Fund, known as UNICEF, has confirmed that the popular photos showing football star Lionel Messi bathing Spain’s young player Lamine Yamal as a baby are real. This ends the rumors that the images were changed digitally.

UNICEF shared this information on its official X account on Thursday. Many social media users had questioned if the viral photos were genuine, with some claiming they had been edited.

According to UNICEF, the photos were taken over 18 years ago during a fundraising photoshoot for UNICEF. This involved Messi, Yamal, and the boy's mother, Sheila.

“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real,” UNICEF stated.

They added, “More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

“Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.

“The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfills their potential.

“We are proud to have them on our team.”

UNICEF also credited Spanish photographer Joan Monfort for the iconic images.

The photos, which have been shared widely on social media recently, show a young Messi gently bathing baby Yamal in a small tub during a charity calendar shoot aimed at raising money for UNICEF.

The images gained attention after Yamal’s rapid rise in world football. Many fans found it hard to believe that the Barcelona and Spain star had once been in a photoshoot with Messi.

But some dismissed the images as fake, leading UNICEF to confirm their authenticity.

Yamal has become one of football’s top talents, and now he and Messi have another link beyond those famous photos. They both serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their fame to promote children’s rights and welfare.

This confirmation has stirred up fresh reactions online. Many football fans see the images as a passing of the torch between two generations of football stars.

Messi and Yamal are set to face each other in the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in the United States on Sunday.