New era begins: Lamine Yamal poised to wear Messi’s No. 10 at Barcelona

Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal is reportedly poised to inherit the iconic No. 10 jersey next season, a number once worn by club legend Lionel Messi.

Having emerged from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Yamal made his breakthrough under former manager Xavi Hernández.

Now flourishing under new boss Hansi Flick, the young winger has quickly established himself as one of the brightest talents in world football.

The Catalan giants are set to hand the teenager Messi’s legendary number, currently worn by Ansu Fati. Fati was once touted as Messi’s successor, but recurring injuries have seen him fall down the pecking order, and he is expected to leave the club this summer.

Yamal, who currently dons the No. 19 shirt, incidentally the number Messi wore before switching to No. 10 in 2008, has long been viewed as the true heir to the Argentine icon. With his 18th birthday approaching, Barcelona are also planning to offer Yamal a long-term contract extension to secure his future at the club.

The decision to assign him the No. 10 shirt marks a significant vote of confidence from the club, signaling their belief in Yamal as the face of the next Barça generation.