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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jonny Weeks

Who are ya? Behind the scenes of the official World Cup portrait photographs

Lionel Messi Marcelo Bielsa Fifa Tom Jenkins Declan Rice Diego Moreira Jude Bellingham Marc Cucurella
A special effects camera filter creates a multiple exposure-like effect for Lionel Messi’s portrait.
A special effects camera filter creates a multiple exposure-like effect for Lionel Messi’s portrait. Photograph: Johnnie Izquierdo/FIFA/Getty Images

Lionel Messi of Argentina stands rigidly in front of the camera. Marc Cucurella of Spain whips his hair and appears to boogie. Diego Moreira of Belgium covers his eyes with his forearm and reveals an eerie tattoo. Harry Kane leans awkwardly on to one knee.

There are 1,248 football players and 48 managers at the World Cup, and none could escape the obligatory media duty that is the official portrait – whether or not they had a fun pose in mind.

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