local
World Cup destiny: Messi bathed Yamal as a baby, now they face off for soccer’s top title
By JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 18, 2026
· 4 min read
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.Now ...
Key takeaway This is beyond all reasonable explanations,” Monfort told The Associated Press from his home in Barcelona on Friday.
Why this matters in The Midland
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain has a unique connection to the Permian Basin, as the match will be watched by many in Midland who follow international soccer. The story of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, who will face off in the final, has captivated fans worldwide, and locals will be eager to see how the young Spanish player performs against one of the greatest players of all time. As the Midland community gathers to watch the match, they will be witnessing a rare moment in sports history, one that transcends borders and languages. The fact that the final is being held in the US will likely add to the local interest, and fans in Midland will be cheering on their favorite team, aware that they are part of a global audience sharing in this experience. The matchup between Messi and Yamal will be a highlight of the tournament, and Midland soccer fans will be watching closely.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn’t think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub. Not until the remarkable twist of fate became clear years later, when that infant blossomed into Lamine Yamal.Now ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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