Lamine Yamal to take over Lionel Messi’s shirt at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal is not one to shy away from comparisons with the great Lionel Messi.

Lamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, impressed at Barcelona last season but emerged to a wider, global audience at Euro 2024 by playing a key role as Spain won the tournament for a record fourth time thanks to a 2-1 win over England.

“Lamine, what number do you want this season?”

LY: “19” 👉 pic.twitter.com/wEcFASoNhv

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) July 17, 2024

The teenager wore the number 19 shirt for Spain in Germany and has chosen to wear it throughout the 2024-25 season for the Blaugrana.

He follows in the footsteps of some famous players to have worn that shirt before, including Messi himself.

The Argentina captain played with 19 on his back from 2005 to 2008 before taking on the number 10 shirt he went on to wear with such distinction for club and country.

Indeed, it was during his time as Barca’s number 19 that Messi went on that now famous photoshoot that saw him pictured cradling Lamal as a baby.

Yep, that’s a six-month old Lamine Yamal with a 20-year-old Lionel Messi at a photoshoot in the Camp Nou.

At least now we know where the teenager gets his powers from 😉🐐#ESPFRA #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ZpHVlElUBO

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) July 9, 2024

The pair could meet again next summer in the Finalissima – the meeting between European champions Spain and Argentina, who beat Colombia to land the Copa America crown on Sunday night.