New York Mayor Amazed By Viral Messi-Yamal Photo Ahead Of World Cup Final

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has admitted he initially believed the now-famous photograph of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal was generated by artificial intelligence, as anticipation builds for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium, Mamdani described the remarkable image as one of football’s most extraordinary stories.

“I don’t know if you’ve seen this image, but Lamine Yamal was selected from a group of children for a photo where he was bathed by Lionel Messi as a baby,” Mamdani said.

“There exists a photo of Lionel Messi and baby Lamine Yamal in a bathtub, and now these two are set to compete this Sunday in New York and New Jersey, which is quite extraordinary.

“I’m looking forward to it, and I’ll give the typical politician’s response—I just hope it’s a great match.”

The photograph, taken during a charity calendar photoshoot nearly two decades ago, has resurfaced ahead of what could be a symbolic passing of the torch between the legendary Argentine captain and Spain’s teenage sensation.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on 11 June at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, concludes on Sunday after 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Only the third-place play-off between England and France and the final remain.

Argentina, the reigning South American champions, will take on European champions Spain in a clash many consider the dream final of the tournament. The two nations had been due to meet in the Finalissima earlier this year before the fixture was postponed, making Sunday’s encounter an even more eagerly awaited showdown.