Lamine Yamal: 7 facts about Spain's young prodigy who was once bathed by Messi and will now face him in World Cup final

In 2007, a 20-year-old Lionel Messi held and bathed baby Lamine Yamal during a UNICEF charity calendar photoshoot featuring Barcelona players. The photo went viral years later as Yamal emerged as Barcelona's next superstar. Now, the two are set to meet as rivals in the FIFA World Cup final.

Lamine Yamal's signature goal celebration is more than just a gesture. After scoring, he forms the number "304" with his fingers—a tribute to Rocafonda, the working-class neighbourhood in Mataró where he grew up. The number represents the last three digits of the area's postal code (08304) and reflects his pride in his roots. Yamal has even trademarked "304" and related logos, while his custom Adidas boots feature the number alongside the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, honouring both his neighbourhood and his family heritage.

When he's not dazzling defenders, Lamine Yamal is usually gaming. A self-confessed fan of Fortnite, he has said that if football hadn't worked out, he would probably have become a streamer. His love for gaming began in sixth grade after his mother gifted him a PlayStation 4. Today, Yamal spends his free time playing games such as Fortnite, Brawl Stars, Roblox and Piano Tiles, making gaming one of his biggest passions away from football.

Yamal made his Barcelona first-team debut against Real Betis in April 2023 at just 15 years and 291 days, becoming the youngest player to feature for the club's senior team.

Yamal played a starring role in Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. He finished the tournament with four assists, scored a stunning semifinal goal against France and was named the Young Player of the Tournament.

Yamal joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy at the age of seven after starting out at local club CF La Torreta. He quickly progressed through the ranks and was promoted to the first team while still in his mid-teens.

In September 2023, Yamal became Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer when he found the net on his senior international debut against Georgia at the age of 16.

Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, Yamal has Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean roots. Eligible to represent multiple countries, he chose to play for Spain.