A photograph taken nearly two decades ago showing a young Lionel Messi bathing an infant Lamine Yamal has taken on extraordinary significance ahead of Monday's FIFA World Cup final, where the two football stars will face each other for the sport's biggest prize.

The now-iconic images, captured in 2007 by Barcelona-based freelance photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar organised by local newspaper Sport and UNICEF, have resurfaced as Argentina prepare to meet Spain in the final.

Monfort said he never imagined the photo shoot would become one of football's most remarkable stories.

"I never believed in destiny, but this is beyond explanation," he told The Associated Press from Barcelona.

The photos came about after Yamal's mother won a raffle that allowed families from Mataro, near Barcelona, to take part in the charity project. By chance, her infant son was paired with Messi, then a rising Barcelona star.

Years later, Messi became one of football's greatest players, while Yamal emerged as Barcelona's newest sensation after the Argentine left the club in 2021 amid financial difficulties.

The images remained largely forgotten until Yamal's father shared one of them on social media during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, where the teenage forward played a key role in Spain's title-winning campaign. The photo quickly went viral and has attracted even greater global attention ahead of the World Cup final.

Monfort said media requests for the photographs have surged in recent days, while the images have also spread widely across social media.

"It feels better than any movie script," he said.

The photographer also expressed disappointment that the photos have frequently been shared online without proper credit or permission.

As a lifelong Barcelona supporter, Monfort admitted he is conflicted about Monday's final.

Like many Barcelona fans, he remains deeply attached to Messi while also embracing Yamal as the club's next generation of talent.

"I have everlasting admiration for Messi, the greatest player of all time," Monfort said. "But Yamal has broken the mould and represents a new generation."

Whether watching from New Jersey or Barcelona, Monfort said choosing between the two players will not be easy.

"My heart is divided," he said. "Maybe they can both win. After everything that has happened, I wouldn't rule anything out."