Topps releases Messi-Lamine Yamal baby photo trading card, teases dual autograph

Topps has announced several new trading cards tied to Sunday’s World Cup final, including a card featuring one of the most talked-about images in football history.

Messi and Baby Yamal Card

The first card draws from the now-famous 2007 photoshoot in which Lionel Messi bathed a baby Lamine Yamal — years before the two faced off in Spain’s 1–0 victory over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final.

The iconic Messi & Yamal photoshoot is going on a 1-of-1 trading card 🥹 Arriving in Topps Stadium Club UCC later this year. — Topps (@Topps) July 20, 2026

The card shows Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal. It will be an unnumbered short print (rarer than a standard base card, but without a listed print run) in the upcoming Topps Stadium Club UEFA Club Competitions set. On Monday, Topps revealed that the card will include a one-of-one parallel, making it one of the most sought-after soccer cards of the year. The company’s X account also teased the possibility of a version autographed by both players.

Stadium Club sets are known for featuring exceptional photography. Joan Monfort’s 2007 image — originally created for a charity calendar produced by FC Barcelona, UNICEF, and Diario Sport — fits that tradition.

“We are talking about 2007. Messi was only beginning at Barca then. Destiny plays an important role in these things,” Monfort told The Athletic in 2024.

Messi Reflects on the Photo

On Friday at Fanatics Fest in New York, Messi was asked about the photos by Tom Brady during a World Cup final event featuring both teams’ coaches and captains.

“Honestly, that photo of us is crazy, because — well, that’s life, right? I took a photo with him as a baby, and here we both are, facing off in a World Cup,” the now 39-year-old Messi said.

“Lamine is a huge talent, someone I’ve followed a lot because he plays for a club I love and I always wish him the best, I always want the best for him. And, well, he’s one of the world’s benchmark players at 19 years old, and he has his whole career ahead of him. He has a great opportunity to achieve something historic, which we’ll try our hardest to make sure doesn’t happen this time. I just want to wish him the best.

“It’s crazy. He’s one of the best in the world right now, no doubt about it. And I wish him a lot of luck, because what’s good for him will also be good for Barcelona.”

Halftime Show Cards Now Available

While fans wait for the Messi-Yamal card, Topps has already released two cards related to the World Cup final halftime show, which the company sponsored. These are part of the Topps Now collection — individual cards printed to order and available for a limited time, commemorating key moments and performances across sports and current events.

• Justin Bieber — depicts his portion of the halftime show
• Coldplay — represents the band’s performance

Each card sells for $11.99 on Topps’ website, with discounts for bulk orders, and includes a chance to receive a limited autographed version. The cards are available only through Topps until July 23.

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