Lamine Yamal is already one of the best young footballers in the world. He is only 17 years old. His talent and playing style have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. Messi played for FC Barcelona for over ten years. He left the club in 2021 because of financial issues. His exit created a big gap in the team.
Many people expected Barcelona to struggle after he left. But La Masia, the club’s youth academy, produced Yamal. Since Messi’s departure, he has won the World Cup with Argentina, won titles with PSG, and now plays for Inter Miami.
Now, Lamine Yamal is likely to take over Barcelona’s number 10 jersey, worn famously by Messi. The shirt was briefly worn by Ansu Fati, who couldn’t meet expectations and has since moved to Monaco. With Fati out, the path is now clear for Yamal.
The teenager’s humility and maturity stand out. He respects the history of the club and the weight that comes with wearing the number 10. As he turns 18 (on July 13), the expectation is that he will officially receive the jersey and step into the role once held by Messi.
In a recent press interaction during Barcelona’s visit to China, Yamal shared his thoughts on Messi. He called him the best player in history.
“For me, Messi is the greatest player in history. Everything he did, all over the pitch, everything about his game, I liked it all, and it has truly been something beautiful for me,” Yamal said.
Even though they never played together, a famous photo of Messi holding baby Lamine Yamal continues to circulate. Many see it as a symbolic “passing of the torch.”
There’s also a chance Yamal and Messi could face each other on the field soon. Spain, winners of Euro 2024, and Argentina, Copa America champions, may meet in the Finalissima. It would be a special moment for Yamal to share the pitch with the legend he admires.
Lamine Yamal’s Dream Barcelona XI
Despite being just 17, Lamine Yamal is already one of football’s most exciting players. While many compare him to Messi, Yamal keeps his focus on the game and avoids the pressure of such comparisons.
In a recent chat with Barça One, Yamal was asked to name his all-time favorite Barcelona XI. His choices showed both his knowledge of the club’s history and his admiration for the stars who came before him.
He chose Victor Valdés as his goalkeeper, calling him the most historic Barcelona keeper. In defense, he picked three central defenders: Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, and Javier Mascherano. He didn’t include any fullbacks, going for strength and leadership in the backline.
Lamine Yamal’s midfield included legends Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets. Yamal also made space for Ronaldinho in midfield. He said there was no room for him in attack because he already had his dream forward line in mind.
Lamine Yamal’s chosen forward trio? The famous MSN—Messi, Suarez, and Neymar. He said Neymar is his favorite player and called Suarez a top striker.
“Up Messi obviously, and I wanted to put Neymar because he is my favourite player and as a striker, Luis Suarez, for me, he is top.” Yamal said.
It’s clear he grew up watching that legendary trio and now dreams of reaching those same heights.
Barcelona Pre-season 2025: Tour, Fixtures, and How to Watch
FC Barcelona are starting their 2025-26 preparations with a pre-season tour in Asia. After winning the domestic treble last season, expectations are high under coach Hansi Flick. The team returns to training on July 13, with medical checks on July 14.
This year, instead of touring the United States, the club will visit Asia. They will play matches in Japan and South Korea as part of their build-up.
Pre-season fixtures:
- July 27: Vissel Kobe vs Barcelona (Noevir Kobe Stadium)
- July 31: FC Seoul vs Barcelona (Seoul World Cup Stadium)
- August 4: Daegu FC vs Barcelona (Daegu Stadium)
After the Asian tour, Barcelona will return to Spain for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 9. This will be held at the new Spotify Camp Nou, which is reopening this season.
Barcelona’s first La Liga match is away to Mallorca on August 16. They will play three away matches before their home opener on September 14 against Valencia.
As Barcelona look ahead to a new season, all eyes will be on Lamine Yamal. With the number 10 shirt likely to be his and a full pre-season under his belt, he is ready to lead the team into a new era.