In a heartwarming turn of events, photos of soccer legend Lionel Messi and 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal have resurfaced, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The images, taken in 2007, show Messi with a young Yamal, who now plays for FC Barcelona, the same organization where Messi made his mark for nearly two decades.

The pictures were shared by Yamal's father on Instagram last week, with the caption "the beginning of two greats," highlighting the strong bond that was formed between the two players years ago. Joan Monfort, a freelance photographer for The Associated Press, captured the original photos during a calendar photoshoot for a charity drive organized by Spanish newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF.

The photoshoot took place in the visitors' locker room at Camp Nou while Messi, then 20 years old and playing for Barcelona, interacted with Yamal, who was just a few months old at the time. One photo shows Messi holding the baby, while another depicts Messi and Yamal's mother, Sheila Ebana, bathing the child in a plastic tub.

Monfort revealed that the selection of families for the calendar photoshoot was determined through a raffle held by UNICEF in the neighborhood where Yamal's family lived. Yamal's family won the raffle, which eventually led to the heartwarming encounter with Messi.

Describing the shoot, Monfort recounted Messi's initial uncertainty about how to interact with the young Yamal. Messi, known for his introverted and shy nature, found himself in an unfamiliar setting, trying to navigate the experience with a baby in a plastic tub. However, the captivating images captured the genuine connection between the two players, leaving a lasting impression on those who have seen them.

It wasn't until a friend informed Monfort that the photos had gone viral that he realized the impact they were having. Excitement surrounding the images has reached unprecedented levels for Monfort, who has had a long and illustrious career as a sports photographer.

The resurfacing of these heartwarming photos couldn't have come at a more fitting time, as both Messi and Yamal are experiencing significant success on the international stage. Messi recently led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, securing their place in the Copa America final, while Yamal became the youngest player ever to score in the European Championship.

As their paths continue to intertwine, both on and off the field, these photos serve as a reminder of the enduring impact that connections made in the early stages of one's career can have. The bond between Messi and Yamal, now united by their shared success, exemplifies the beautiful stories that unfold in the world of sports.