From a bathtub in Barcelona to the World Cup final: Messi and Yamal's tryst with destiny

The photograph, taken in 2007 for a Barcelona charity calendar, has resurfaced ahead of the title clash, symbolising a moment few could have imagined. Messi, then a 19-year-old rising star, was helping bathe an infant selected for the UNICEF-backed shoot. Nineteen years later, the two represent different generations of football, with one seeking to cement an extraordinary legacy and the other hoping to begin one of his own.

Yet, beyond the symbolism of that image lies a final worthy of the tournament itself.

After 104 matches, 48 teams and more than a month of football across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded World Cup has come down to two sides that have consistently been the competition's best.

Sunday's showpiece is expected to unfold before a sell-out crowd of around 82,500 spectators at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which FIFA has designated as the New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. The venue, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, has previously staged the 2016 Copa América final and Super Bowl XLVIII, but this will be its biggest global sporting occasion yet as it hosts the final of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Despite a dip in resale prices closer to kick-off, demand has remained exceptionally strong, with the stadium expected to be packed for the title decider.

A final earned on merit

Spain booked their place in the final with a composed 2-0 victory over France, while defending champions Argentina edged England 2-1 in a gripping semifinal to move within one win of retaining the trophy.

England finished third after defeating France 6-4 in an action-packed playoff, with Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham capping another impressive tournament for Gareth Southgate's side. France, despite falling short of a second consecutive World Cup final, once again showcased its depth, with Kylian Mbappé finishing the tournament as one of its standout performers.

The exits of England and France only strengthen the case that Sunday's finalists have been the tournament's two most complete teams.

Spain arrive in the final unbeaten in 37 international matches, carrying the confidence of a side that has mastered possession-based football under Luis de la Fuente. European champions coming into the tournament, La Roja have combined technical brilliance with defensive discipline, conceding the fewest goals among the finalists while dictating games through relentless pressing and patient build-up play.

Argentina's route has been different but no less effective.

Lionel Scaloni's side have extended their winning streak to 14 matches, relying on experience, tactical flexibility and ruthless finishing. While statistical models suggest other teams created a higher volume of chances, Argentina have consistently outperformed their non-penalty expected goals, underlining their efficiency in front of goal and ability to seize decisive moments.

It sets up a fascinating contrast—Spain's control against Argentina's clinical precision.

One last masterpiece or the beginning of a new era

The spotlight inevitably falls on Messi and Yamal.

For Messi, the final offers the opportunity to guide Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles and add another extraordinary chapter to a career that has already rewritten football's record books. At 39, the Argentine captain continues to orchestrate games with intelligence rather than pace, remaining the emotional and creative heartbeat of the defending champions.

Across the halfway line will stand Yamal, the teenage sensation whose fearless performances have captivated the footballing world. Blessed with dazzling dribbling, creativity and composure beyond his years, he represents Spain's new generation and the promise of a new era.

Sunday's final is therefore more than a contest for the trophy. It is football's past and future sharing the same stage.

India's growing place in football's biggest story

The tournament has also marked football's growing footprint in India.

Ahead of the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Zee TV for helping promote football in the country and highlighted the broadcaster's partnership with FIFA across 39 competitions, including the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, youth tournaments, futsal events and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

"I am very proud of our partnership... This ensures that football can now be presented as a continuous narrative in India, not just as something that happens every four years," Infantino said.

Calling India "a passionate football country", Infantino pointed to the record attendance of more than 1.3 million fans during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and noted that players of Indian heritage represented New Zealand, Australia, Qatar and DR Congo during this year's tournament. He also said thousands of Indian supporters travelled to the three host nations, while Zee's initiative of organising authorised public screenings in cinemas, pubs, restaurants, airports and hotels had helped create communal match-day experiences across the country.

Echoing that vision, Zee Entertainment Enterprises CEO Punit Goenka described the partnership with FIFA as "a defining milestone" in strengthening football's ecosystem in India and reaffirmed the company's long-term commitment to the sport.

"We have only begun this remarkable journey together," Goenka said, adding that Zee remains committed to inspiring the next generation of football fans with the hope of one day seeing India compete on football's biggest stage.

History beckons

Whether the trophy heads to Buenos Aires or Madrid, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered for expanding football's global reach, producing new heroes and delivering compelling narratives.

But none has captured the imagination quite like the image of Messi holding a baby who would one day challenge him for football's greatest prize.

On Sunday, one chapter will close and another will begin.

Either Lionel Messi will lift the World Cup once again and complete one final masterpiece, or Lamine Yamal will step out of an iconic photograph and into football history.