Messi made his path, I’ll make mine” — Yamal steps into iconic jersey

Young football sensation Lamine Yamal has officially taken over the iconic number 10 jersey at Barcelona, a shirt once worn by club legend Lionel Messi.

Speaking during a special event at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium, the 18-year-old winger acknowledged the legacy of Messi but insisted on forging his own path.

“Messi made his path and I will make mine,” Yamal said confidently.

“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 product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, made his debut at just 15 and has since racked up over 100 appearances, scoring 25 goals.

He helped the team secure a domestic treble last season and recently signed a contract extension that ties him to the club until 2031, making him one of the highest-paid players in the squad.

“Barca is my life, I’ve been here since I was seven,” he said.

“For all kids from La Masia, their dream is to make it to the first team, and I’m doing it. I have to keep working.”

After wearing the number 41 on his debut and then 27 and 19, another number previously worn by Messi, Yamal now joins a legendary line of Barcelona number 10s including Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Diego Maradona.

“Those are three legends of football, three legends of this club,” he said.

“I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy.”

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The young star expressed his ambition to win the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, adding, “I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true.”

Yamal recently made headlines off the pitch after celebrating his 18th birthday with a private party that featured performers with dwarfism.

The event sparked controversy, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to request an investigation after a complaint by a skeletal dysplasia advocacy group.

Responding to the controversy, Yamal said, “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.”