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Topps has paid tribute to one of football’s most iconic moments by transforming the well-known photograph of Lionel Messi holding an infant Lamine Yamal into a rare, one-of-one trading card. The announcement came just a day after the two players faced off against each other in the World Cup final.

Iconic photo turned into collectible card

The trading card company confirmed that it will issue a one-of-one card featuring the celebrated image of Messi cradling baby Yamal. This special edition card will be part of the Topps Stadium Club UCC collection, scheduled for release later this year. The timing of the announcement follows Sunday’s World Cup final, where Yamal played a key role in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Messi’s Argentina — a match that once again brought the nostalgic photograph into the global spotlight.

Messi shares thoughts on remarkable reunion

The story drew even greater attention after Messi reflected on the image before the final. The original photograph was captured during a UNICEF charity campaign when Messi was still at Barcelona, years before Yamal would rise to prominence as one of football’s most gifted young players.

“That photo is incredible,” Messi told ESPN. “I took a picture with him when he was a baby. The fact that we’re both playing in the World Cup now is crazy.”

From charity shoot to historic moment

What began as a simple charity photoshoot has become one of football’s most extraordinary full-circle stories. Messi went on to cement his legacy as a Barcelona great, collecting numerous titles and accolades, while Yamal has emerged as one of Spain’s brightest stars at the same club. Their meeting on the grandest stage in football was seen by many as a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of Barcelona icons.

Both players look ahead to new chapters

The 2026 World Cup final may mark Messi’s last appearance at international level, with the 39-year-old expected to bring an end to his illustrious career with Argentina. Both players will now take a well-earned break after featuring in all eight of their teams’ World Cup fixtures. Yamal will return to Barcelona to prepare for the 2026–27 LaLiga season, while Messi is set to rejoin Inter Miami as the MLS season resumes following the FIFA tournament.