FC Barcelona has explained the background of the famous photograph showing Lionel Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal, saying the moment happened by chance during a UNICEF charity project organised by the club's foundation in 2008.

According to the club, the picture was taken for its annual charity calendar, a fundraising initiative created with Sport newspaper to support UNICEF and the FC Barcelona Foundation's humanitarian programmes for children.The 2008 edition featured several first-team players, including Messi, Deco, Xavi Hernández, Rafa Márquez and Bojan Krkić.

Messi, who was just 20 years old at the time, was assigned to a photo session with Lamine Yamal and his mother, Sheila, without anyone knowing the baby would later become one of football's brightest young stars.Barcelona described the meeting as a coincidence that has now become one of the most memorable football photographs ever taken.The image gained worldwide attention again during Yamal's impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024 and has continued to circulate widely.

UNICEF also confirmed that the photographs are authentic and noted that both Messi and Yamal have gone on to serve as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, using their influence to support children's rights and welfare across the world.

The organisation said both footballers inspire millions on and off the pitch and reaffirmed its mission of helping every child survive, thrive and reach their full potential.The story highlights how an ordinary charity photoshoot unexpectedly linked two generations of football stars.