Messi first met Yamal as a baby. Their next meetin...

Lionel Messi's connection to Lamine Yamal is one that goes beyond the football pitch, as the two are now set to face off in the biggest stage of them all - the World Cup final. The Argentine superstar first met the young French player when he was just a baby, and little did he know that he was holding onto a potential future rival.

The meeting took place two decades ago, and it is a testament to the bond that Messi has with the Yamal family that he has remained close to them over the years. Lamine's father, Amine, has spoken fondly of the time when Messi first met his son, describing it as a moment that he will never forget. The Frenchman's words paint a picture of a warm and welcoming encounter, one that laid the foundation for the incredible journey that Lamine has been on ever since.

As Yamal prepares to take on Messi and the Argentine national team in the World Cup final, he has spoken about the influence that his meeting with the Barcelona legend had on his life. The young Frenchman has credited Messi with inspiring him to pursue his dreams and push himself to be the best player he can be. It is a testament to the enduring power of Messi's impact on the game, and a reminder that even the biggest stars can have a lasting impact on the lives of those around them.

The World Cup final promises to be an epic encounter between two of the greatest players of all time, and it will be fascinating to see how Yamal's past meeting with Messi shapes his approach to the game. Will he be able to draw on the memories of their first meeting to inspire him to victory, or will Messi's sheer brilliance prove too much for him to handle? One thing is for sure - this is a moment that neither player will ever forget.