The story behind the viral photo of Lionel Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal 🤯⬇️ https://t.co/oRgnwRSNHB Via @SportsCenter on X

What happened: A photo showing Lionel Messi holding a baby Lamine Yamal has recirculated widely as Argentina and Spain prepare to meet in the World Cup final. The image prompted reactions online, including from a player who said he first assumed it was AI-generated.

Why it matters: Messi and Yamal are set to face each other in Sunday's final, giving the old photo new relevance as a symbolic passing-of-the-torch image between the two.

What to watch: Messi and Yamal meet on the field Sunday when Argentina and Spain play for the World Cup title.

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