“Destined to be the best” – Lamine Yamal taking after Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona evokes wild reactions on social media

Lamine Yamal has inherited Lionel Messi's iconic No.19 at FC Barcelona for the 2024/25 season.

“Destined to be the best” – Lamine Yamal taking after Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona evokes wild reactions on social media

Lamine Yamal will wear Lionel Messi's old number at Barcelona for the upcoming season (Via IMAGO & X/@BarcaNation)

At the tender age of 17, Lamine Yamal‘s brilliance on the pitch is something that has to be studied. From being the face of La Roja at the 2024 Euros, to playing a huge role in his team’s success at the tournament, things are only getting started for the teenager. As international football comes to a close and club football returns to the forefront, fans are excited to see how the player will perform under Hansi Flick!

After making a significant impact on the international stage, Barcelona have made the decision to rest the youngster and not take him along for the US pre-season tour. Yamal sported the No.19 for Spain at the Euros and as announced on Barcelona’s official social media accounts, will follow suit for Barcelona. However, the number means much more at his club, given the fact that Lionel Messi wore the same during the early years of his career.

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Yamal reportedly turned down the No.10 out of respect for club teammate and international companion Ansu Fati. The 21-year-old inherited the number from Messi, although injuries and a stop-start career have prevented him from reaching his true potential.

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As for Yamal, fans are excited to see how the player will shine in the new season, sporting his new kit number.

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Fans thrilled to see Lamine Yamal inherit Lionel Messi’s No.19 at Barcelona

It hasn’t been long since pictures of Lionel Messi ‘blessing’ baby Lamine Yamal took over the internet. From fans hinting at a prophecy for the youngster to the image foreshadowing the 17-year-old’ brilliance, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Following the decision to hand Yamal No.19, fans have poured out their thoughts on social media.

Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal also wore No.19 for Spain at the Euros (Via X/@UEFAEuro2024)

A fan commented that giving him the No.19 and not No.10 took away a significant amount of pressure from the budding star. A few were convinced that he is the next big thing for Barcelona, with him having done enough at the Euros for them to think so. Yamal’s sudden rise to the stage reminded fans of the age old trope that Barca builds superstars while Real Madrid buys them.

https://twitter.com/Bha_yo69/status/1813578457055740237

A few supporters however, were not impressed with the comparisons to Messi. According to them, every player deserves to develop in their own way without the constant demand of living up to the level of a certain player.

It will be exciting to see how Hansi Flick makes use of Yamal in the new season. With Real Madrid getting more stronger than ever, it is only ‘fair’ if Barcelona come up with a fitting response in Lamine Yamal.

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