Lamine Yamal takes over Messi’s number 10 at Barcelona

Barcelona has decided to hand Lamine Yamal the number 10 shirt, but without the grand ceremony that was originally planned, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The club had planned an official event for the player's 18th birthday and the presentation of his new shirt, but this was cancelled after the controversy that followed Yamal's birthday party.

The club decided not to risk a symbolic moment – the passing of Messi’s legendary jersey – being overshadowed by media debates. Therefore, the presentation of the number 10 for Yamal will be done discreetly.

Meanwhile, many fans have tried to buy the new Barcelona jersey with the number 10 printed for Yamal, but were told in official stores that it has not yet been confirmed as a final number.

Barcelona has renewed Yamal's contract until 2031, while the player himself has dropped some hints on social media about the new number. However, the official presentation will be kept away from the public eye to avoid any distraction from the symbolic importance of this moment.