“Yes… real”.. “UNICEF” resolves the controversy over the photo of Messi and Lamin Yamal

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has resolved the controversy that arose over a circulated photo of Argentine star Lionel Messi and Spanish talent Lamine Yamal when he was an infant, after some social media users believed it was generated by artificial intelligence or digitally modified.

The organization confirmed, through its official account on the “X” platform, that the photo is real and was taken more than 18 years ago during a charitable photo session it organized to support fundraising.

“Yes, the pictures you saw are indeed real,” UNICEF said. More than 18 years ago, a boy named Lamin Yamal and his mother Sheila met Lionel Messi during a charity photo shoot to support fundraising for UNICEF.

She added that Messi and Yamal today inspire millions with their achievements on the field, and they also use their status as goodwill ambassadors for UNICEF to defend the rights of children and support them around the world.

The organization indicated that it is proud to have Messi and Lamin Yamal join the goodwill ambassadors who support its humanitarian mission, which aims to enable every child to survive, grow, and achieve their full potential.