India, July 18 -- The viral photograph of Lionel Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal has captured the football world's imagination ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, but Yamal is not the only Spain player to have shared a childhood moment with the Argentine legend.

Several old photographs featuring young Spanish stars alongside Messi have resurfaced on social media, adding another emotional layer to the highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Spain.

Among the players whose pictures have gone viral are Pedri, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi, and Dani Olmo all of whom met Messi during their childhood through Barcelona-related events or as young academy players. Years later, they have grown into key members of Spain's national team and are pr...