La Liga: Days after 18th birthday, Lamine Yamal confirmed to wear Lionel Messi's iconic No 10 jersey

Time of India

3 days ago

Lamine Yamal has been handed the No 10 at Barcelona (Image via X/@FCBarcelona & BarcaUniversal)
Wearing the number 10 for FC Barcelona is one of the most prestigious and demanding responsibilities at the same time. Lamine Yamal has done just that, as he took over the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, previously worn by club legend Lionel Messi.
The 18-year-old winger, already a key player for the Catalan side, made the switch official at an event held at the club shop at Spotify Camp Nou.
"Messi made his path and I will make mine," said Yamal. "I will work as hard as I can, give everything and try to make those Barca fans who are there happy and those who are at home."
Yamal, a La Masia graduate like Messi, helped Barcelona to a domestic treble last season and signed a contract extension until 2031 in May, becoming one of the club's highest-paid players.
"I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true," he added. Yamal expressed his desire to win both the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
Having debuted in 2023 at just 15 years old in the number 41 shirt, Yamal has already made over 100 appearances and scored 25 goals for the club. He wore number 27 last season before switching to 19, which was Messi's shirt number in the Argentine's early years at the club.
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Lamine Yamal with the No 10 (Image via X/Screengrab)
"Barca is my life, I've been here since I was seven, for all kids from La Masia their dream is to make it to the first team and I'm doing it and I have to keep working," said Yamal. "When I was little I dreamed of being at Barca and having this numbe,." said the player to reporters, as quoted by AFP.
Ansu Fati had previously worn the number 10 shirt after Messi's 2021 departure, but injuries curtailed his impact, and he recently joined Monaco on loan.
"(Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho) are three legends of football, three legends of this club," Yamal said. "I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy."
Poll
Do you think Lamine Yamal can live up to the legacy of Lionel Messi in the number 10 shirt?
Yes, he has the talent.
No, that's a huge expectation.
The youngster also responded to recent scrutiny over his birthday celebration: "In the end I work for Barca, I play for Barca, but when I'm away from (the club) I enjoy my life, and that's all."
The player has been the center of attention for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers for his 18th birthday party. Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) has vowed to take legal and social action against the young star.
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