Thu Jul 17 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Lamine Yamal, once a baby held by a young Lionel Messi for a UNICEF photoshoot, has inherited Messi’s legendary No. 10 jersey at FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old winger is considered a generational talent with the potential to define an era, drawing comparisons to Messi himself. While Yamal acknowledges the pressure and legacy associated with the number, he aims to forge his own path. His maturity, skill, and fearlessness on the field have garnered praise from figures like Messi and Xavi. However, a recent controversy surrounding his 18th birthday party has added a layer of scrutiny to the young star, which he shrugged off.

**News Article:**

**Lamine Yamal Inherits Messi’s No. 10 Jersey at Barcelona, Hopes to Carve Own Legacy**

**Barcelona, Spain** – Eighteen years after being held as a baby by Lionel Messi during a UNICEF photoshoot, Lamine Yamal has been bestowed with the honor of wearing the Argentine legend’s iconic No. 10 jersey at FC Barcelona. The young winger, who recently turned 18, is seen as a potential generational talent with the skills and maturity to follow in the footsteps of Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Diego Maradona.

“I’ll try to build my own path, but all kids would like to be like them,” Yamal said at the club’s official announcement. “All three have been incredible players, they’re legends, and I’ll try to follow in their footsteps.”

Yamal’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Messi himself has acknowledged the player’s potential, stating, “If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it’s him] for me, too.”

Former Barcelona great and manager Xavi has been equally impressed, noting Yamal’s composure and maturity. “He is a player that can mark an era in football, especially at Barcelona,” Xavi said.

However, the pressure of wearing the No. 10 and living up to the comparisons is immense. Yamal said himself, “I don’t want to compare myself with anyone and even less with Messi,”

Yamal has already showcased his ability on the pitch, scoring goals and assisting his teammates, while displaying a remarkable composure for his age.

Recently, Yamal’s 18th birthday party drew criticism due to its extravagance and the use of entertainers with dwarfism. Yamal addressed the controversy, stating, “In the end I work for Barça, but when I’m away from the club’s training centre, I enjoy my life and that’s it,”

Despite the scrutiny, Yamal remains focused on his goals. “My goal is to keep winning and growing,” Yamal said. “It’s the club of my life. It’s my home, I’ve been here since I was 7 years old.”

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