CONFIRMED: Lamine Yamal given iconic Messi honour at Barcelona

Robin Bairner

Updated: 24 May 2025 06:24 CDT
4 min read

Lamine Yamal will see his status at Barcelona change dramatically when he signs a new contract with the club, with the 17-year-old sensation set to get the Lionel Messi treatment at Camp Nou.

Article continues under the video

Messi is Barcelona’s greatest ever player as he leads the club in appearances, goals and assists, yet there are high hopes that Lamine can emerge as an heir to the Argentine great, who currently pays with Inter Miami.

Now the teenager is set to slip into Messi’s shirt with the Blaugrana, having been pictured in promotional images for the club’s new jersey wearing the iconic No.10, according to FootMercato.

Current ETV

Lamine Yamal

M (R)

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal

M (R)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€155.9M - €190.5M

Lamine presently wears the No.19. This switch in number will represent a huge change in his status, with Barca openly parading the wing sensation as a direct replacement to the World Cup winner.

Previously, Barcelona president Joan Laporta had said it would be up to the player whether he changed his shirt number.

Speaking to Esport3 last week, he said: “It will be discussed internally. He chose 19 and we’ll see what choice he makes.”

It appears that Lamine, the second-most valuable player in the world, has taken the decision to step into Messi’s shoes.

Messi-like contract

Laporta has revealed that the youngster is set to land a contract inspired by the one that the South American had during his time at the club.

“With Messi, we consolidated the fixed bonuses. We’re aiming for the same thing with Lamine,” Laporta explained to Esport3.

“The contract will correspond to the importance he has within the team, regardless of his age.

“He must have special treatment We want Lamine for many years and I believe it will be a reality.”

Lamine Yamal will sign a new deal with Barcelona in the summer that will make him the third-highest paid player at the club behind Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.

Football transfer news headlines today

Unai Emery picks Emi Martinez replacement: World’s best young keeper heads to Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes offered €230m to LEAVE Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo waves tearful goodbye to Al-Nassr and Saudi Pro League

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal shut the door on Kiwior exit with huge asking price

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store