Barca Fast-Rising Star Yamal Wants Messi’s Old No.10 Jersey

The young sensation from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, says he would be more than willing to take on the task of wearing Lionel Messi’s former No. 10 shirt at Camp Nou.

The 16-year-old forward is following in the footsteps of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, having smashed several records since making his professional breakthrough. He is predicted to go all the way to the top of the game after leaving the same La Masia academy structure.

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Yamal currently fills the No.27 jersey in Catalunya, but has told Mundo Deportivo of inheriting an iconic squad number from Ansu Fati – who is currently on loan at Premier League side Brighton: “As you said, Ansu is the number 10 but if in the end he is not still here, it would be a source of pride. It would be a dream for any child to be Barcelona’s number 10. Nobody in this world would say no, but it’s something that the club has to manage.”

Yamal is already following Messi’s lead when it comes to diet at Barcelona, with the teenager being advised to put more fish on the menu – an approach that previously served Messi well. He added: “I’ve gained about four kilos in weight and two centimetres in height in 2024. I’m at 1.81m now. Before, I used to go with my friends and eat whatever I wanted. Now, I follow the club’s advice. And I drink lots of water. I try to eat more fish because before it is more meat.”

Yamal is up to six senior caps for Spain as he looks to earn a spot in their team for this summer’s European Championship. This season, he has made 40 appearances for Barca across all competitions, scoring six goals.