UNICEF Confirms Viral Photos of Lionel Messi Bathing Baby Lamine Yamal Are Authentic not Ai
Published on July 17, 2026 at 12:04 PM by Evance Kapito
Photos of Argentina captain Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal have gone viral on social media this week, with many users initially believing the images had been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
However, UNICEF has confirmed that the photographs are genuine.
In a post shared on its official Facebook page, the global children’s rights organisation explained that the photos were taken more than 18 years ago during a UNICEF charity photoshoot.
“Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real. More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot,” UNICEF wrote.
The organisation added that both football stars now use their influence to advocate for children’s rights.
“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 fulfils their potential. We are proud to have them on our team.”
The iconic photographs were captured by Spanish photographer Joan Monfort during Messi’s early years at FC Barcelona.
The images have resurfaced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal are expected to face each other on Sunday, 19 July, in what many fans are calling a symbolic full-circle moment from a charity photoshoot with a baby to competing on football’s biggest stage.
