local
World Cup destiny: Messi bathed Yamal as a baby, now they face off for soccer’s top title
By JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 18, 2026
· 4 min read
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.Now ...
Key takeaway This is beyond all reasonable explanations,” Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville soccer fans are abuzz with the World Cup final matchup between Argentina and Spain, and the remarkable backstory of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal has added a compelling layer to the excitement. As the city's own soccer community continues to grow, with numerous youth leagues and adult recreational teams, the idea that a chance encounter between two future soccer stars could foreshadow a World Cup showdown is captivating. The fact that this unlikely pairing has garnered international attention, with the final being held in the US, has also sparked interest among local sports enthusiasts. As Nashville residents gather to watch the big game, they'll be reminded that the beautiful game can bring people together in unexpected ways, and that even the most unlikely of encounters can have a lasting impact on the sport. The city's bars and restaurants are likely to be filled with fans cheering on their favorite team, adding to the electric atmosphere.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.Now ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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