Europe Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal's Viral Photo: Fans Say 'Passing the Torch

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A viral photo shows FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi "blessing" a baby Lamine Yamal in the late 2000s. The heartwarming image, shared by Yamal's father, highlights the bond between Messi and Yamal, both products of Barca's famed La Masia academy. Yamal, now 16, follows in Messi's footsteps.

A photo of FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi "blessing" a young Lamine Yamal has gone viral after being shared by Yamal's father on social media. The image, taken at Barca HQ in the late 2000s, features a smiling Messi, then 20 years old, doting over baby Lamine in a bubble-filled plastic tub.

This heartwarming moment is particularly significant as both Messi and Yamal were nurtured at the famed La Masia academy. Lamine, now 16, has followed in Messi's footsteps, making his FC Barcelona debut at just 15 and currently excelling in the Euros with La Roja.

The photo's viral spread has sparked comments about Messi "passing on his powers" to the young talent.