Lamine Yamal, the teenage prodigy of Barcelona, is set to wear the iconic No. 10 shirt at the club - a number once worn by Lionel Messi. The No. 10 shirt is a symbol of greatness, and Messi remains the most iconic figure associated with the number in Barcelona’s history. This move by the Barcelona management reflects their immense faith in Yamal, who has shown extraordinary potential at a tender age. The decision comes shortly after Yamal’s 18th birthday earlier this month, amid growing speculation about his latest long-term deal with the club. The contract is expected to include a release clause of £841 million.

Yamal currently wears the No. 19 shirt, the same number Messi sported during the early stages of his Barcelona career in 2004. Messi was officially handed the No. 10 shirt in 2008. Yamal will now take over the jersey from Ansu Fati, who was once touted as Messi’s successor. Fati, however, now faces an uncertain future at the club following a series of injuries and inconsistent performances.

In contrast, Yamal’s rise has been phenomenal. He made his senior debut for Barcelona at the age of 15. Since then, he has helped the club win two La Liga titles, contributed 43 goal involvements in 54 matches this season, and led Barcelona to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Inter Milan in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Considering Yamal’s statistics at 18, he is on a record-breaking trajectory. At that age, Messi had scored once in nine senior appearances for Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo had five goals in 19 matches for Sporting Lisbon. Yamal, in contrast, has already scored 25 goals and provided 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barcelona.

He has also scored four goals in 19 caps for Spain and became the youngest player to start a European Championship final, which Spain won last year, adding further shine to his growing reputation.