Lamine Yamal opened up about his viral photo with Lionel Messi.

In 2007 a 20-year-old Messi posed for photos with a baby in Camp Nou dressing room for a charity calendar photoshoot.

Messi would arguably go on to become the greatest player in world football, while the baby would also make waves in the game.

Messi was bathing Yamal, a now-teenage superstar who took the European Championships by storm for Spain after an outstanding debut season for Barcelona.

The photo of Messi and Yamal resurfaced after Yamal’s father posted it on Instagram with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”

When asked about the picture on Spanish program El Hormi Guero, Yamal said: “Well, if I was bestowed with some of his talent, then there is still a lot for me to offer.”

While Yamal told Spanish TV station Antena 3 that it was “impossible” to reach the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s level, Girona manager Michel insisted the Spanish teenager could one day be as good as Messi.

After Yamal notched a brace in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Girona on Sunday, Michel said: “Lamine is a difference-maker. For me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age.

“It is difficult to imagine that after Messi another [like him] would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he’s a player than can reach that level.”

 

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Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was pleased to see the winger on the scoresheet after his selfless creativity in past matches.

“I was really happy because he scored the goal,” Flick said. “Lamine normally gives the last pass and I was happy that he scored today.”

Flick added: “We started the match very concentrated, very focused, and we pressed them really good.

“The first goal was unbelievable, really good from Lamine, and we deserved the win and the result.

“I think you can see the confidence we have and, when we have the ball, we have the quality to play and to create chances.”